Democrat Cortez Masto launches U.S. Senate TV ad — VIDEO

Catherine Cortez Masto is launching her first statewide television ad as the Democratic candidate campaigns for the U.S. Senate.

The 60-second spot, which starts airing today in Reno and Las Vegas television markets, is a six-figure ad buy in a race for the open seat now held by fellow Democrat Harry Reid, who is retiring.

The ad focuses on her family roots and points to her work as Nevada’s attorney general.

“My dad’s family was from Mexico,” Cortez Masto says in the ad. “My mom’s was from Italy.”

It points to her family’s simple beginnings: Her father, Manny Cortez, parked cars for the Dunes hotel-casino before eventually becoming a Clark County commissioner and leading the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

The ad highlights her work as attorney general to combat human trafficking, protect the elderly from scammers and efforts to get homeowner relief from banks.

“Dad lived his life following three principles, work hard, be honest and respect everyone, and that’s what I tried to do as attorney general,” Cortez Masto says in the ad.

Cortez Masto has the support of Reid in her bid for the seat.

The leading Republican contender for the seat is U.S. Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1