Bernie Sanders conceded the Nevada caucus to Hillary Clinton, as the Vermont senator narrowly lost to the former secretary of state.
“I am very proud of the campaign we ran. Five weeks ago we were 25 points behind and we ended up in a very close election. And we probably will leave Nevada with a solid share of the delegates,” Sanders said.
Early projections show Clinton ahead 52-48 with 78 percent of precincts reporting results. Although Sanders lost, his campaign gained much ground in the month prior to the caucus, as Clinton had a 23-point lead over Sanders in the state in December.
Initial reports also show Sanders winning by two points among white voters, Clinton winning by a large margin among African-Americans and Sanders winning by eight points among Hispanic voters.
Sanders won New Hampshire by 22 points and narrowly lost Iowa.
“I am also proud of the fact that we have brought many working people and young people into the political process and believe that we have the wind at our back as we head toward Super Tuesday,” Sanders added. “I want to thank the people of Nevada for their support that they have given us and the boost that their support will give us as we go forward.”
During his concession speech in Henderson, Sanders congratulated Clinton for running “a very aggressive, effective campaign.” He also contended that although he lost the caucus, the close results show that “people are catching on that we have a rigged economy.”
“It is very clear to be and most observers that the wind is on our backs,” Sanders told supporters. “We have the momentum and I believe that when Democrats assemble in Philadelphia in July at that convention we are going to see the results of one of the great political upsets in the history of the United States.”
Sanders will begin campaigning in South Carolina tomorrow in preparation for the Feb. 27 Democratic primary.
