Steven Horsford has cemented his name in Nevada’s history books — first as the state’s first black Democratic state Senate leader, and now as the first black congressman to represent the state in Congress. 

On Tuesday night, Horsford won a close election against Republican businessman Danny Tarkanian for the House seat in Nevada’s new 4th district. The large district, which has the highest percentage of African-American voters, stretches across central Nevada, from North Las Vegas to just south of Reno. 

Tarkanian, the son of former University of Nevada Las Vegas basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian and Las Vegas City councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, was initially given dim election chances, especially after making three previously unsuccessful attempts at office. 

Toward the end of the race, he saw a boost in polls, but Horsford was able to secure the seat in the end.

 “Tonight is just the beginning,” he said in a statement. “Hard work lies ahead. Now is the time to make our voices heard in Washington.”