WASHINGTON – Hillary Clinton overcame a strong challenge from Bernie Sanders to win the Nevada Democratic caucuses Saturday.

The victory places two of the first three states in the win column for the former secretary of state, sandwiching a New Hampshire win by her rival.

A look at the 2016 presidential campaign as Clinton secured her success in the first ethnically diverse state to weigh in on the Democratic race and as the South Carolina GOP primary unfolded:

Democrats in Nevada

Clinton won in a state that was once seen as nearly a sure bet for her. Sanders made it hotly competitive, but she prevailed on the strength of her experience and her appeal to minorities, women, voters 45 and older, wealthier people and moderates, according to surveys of Nevadans as they arrived at the caucus sites.

In a continuing sign of her vulnerability, Sanders did best with voters looking for a candidate who is caring and honest. The socialist senator scored strongly with men, voters who are less affluent and educated and people under 45 – exposing the age gap also seen in earlier contests.

Although far from the Clinton rout that could have turned the corner on the contest, her win nevertheless may ease the anxiety of some supporters after her razor-thin win in Iowa and big loss in New Hampshire.

“I am so thrilled and so grateful,” she told supporters. “Some may have doubted us, but we never doubted each other.”

Black voters strongly favored Clinton; Hispanics were closely divided.

Voters say...

“If Ronald Reagan can smash the American dream from right field, then Bernie can build it back up from left field.” – Dale Quale, 60, a veteran who lives in a transitional housing in Las Vegas, on why he’s caucusing for Sanders and why he volunteered for his campaign.

“I’ve seen Hillary do things for the Mexicans, I’ve seen her do things for the blacks, the whites, all of them. ... I’m going to be here to put her in office – they’re going to hear my mouth.” – Mary Moore, 60, in Las Vegas, on why she’s supporting Clinton.

How they vote

In Nevada, Hispanic and black voters, as well as union members, were important for Democrats.

Nevadans backed Clinton over Barack Obama in 2008 on his way to the presidency.

Next

The parties flip states: The Republican caucuses in Nevada are Tuesday and South Carolina’s Democratic primary comes Feb. 27.

Associated Press writers Michelle Rindels in Las Vegas and Jeffrey Collins and Bruce Smith in South Carolina contributed to this report.