Harry Reid

WASHINGTON — Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid on Wednesday endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination, calling her the “right person to be the first woman president” and lead the nation.

“She has a proven record of accomplishment and has the ability to fight partisan Republican gridlock and get things done for the American people,” the Nevada Democrat said in a statement. “I look forward to doing everything in my power to ensure Secretary Clinton becomes the next president of the United States.”

Reid has remained neutral in his party’s primary as Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders fight for the nomination. His endorsement comes four days after Clinton won his state’s caucuses. Reid participated but voted as “uncommitted,” saying he would remain neutral in the competition so he could not be accused of rigging the caucuses.

The high-profile endorsement is a boost to Clinton and comes from the most senior Democrat in the Senate. Clinton also has secured the backing of Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the assistant Democratic leader in the House.

The former first lady, New York senator and Secretary of State narrowly won Iowa, suffered a double-digit loss to Sanders in New Hampshire and prevailed in Nevada. She leads in public polls ahead of Saturday’s South Carolina primary.