First 2016 democratic presidential debate begins

LAS VEGAS (KABC) -- The race for the democratic presidential nomination in Las Vegas Tuesday has begun as candidates debate for the first time in 2016.

All eyes will be on political heavy weight Hillary Clinton, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders who has been rising in the polls, and three other candidates hoping for a breakthrough.

Clinton will literally stand center stage in a somewhat familiar place as the frontrunner, but Sanders is drawing the biggest crowds of any candidate as he is surging in the key states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

Watch Elex Michaelson's live report in Las Vegas with details on the debate in the video above.