Clinton beats Sanders in tight Nevada caucus race

The former first lady was projected to be the winner with 52 percent of the vote, while Sanders had 48 percent. About 78 percent of precincts were reporting.

The victory for Clinton is likely to calm some nerves among her supporters after Sanders closed her lead in polls in the state and nearly pulled off an upset. 

The two candidates now go to South Carolina for a primary one week from Saturday. Clinton holds a lead in polls in the state, where black voters are expected to be a force.

"I am so thrilled and so grateful to all my supporters out there," Clinton said in her victory speech in Nevada. "Some may have doubted us but we never doubted each other. This one is for you."

Sanders officially conceded Nevada to Clinton in a statement one hour after the media outlets called it for Clinton. 

"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. 

Nevada's more diverse population was expected to give Clinton an edge; the Vermont senator lost to her by an eyelash in Iowa's caucuses and crushed her in New Hampshire's primary. It was thought that Nevada's large Hispanic population could deliver Clinton a big victory.- Read More at the Clinton

Clinton beats Sanders in tight Nevada caucus race

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