Senator Bernie Sanders, the longest-serving independent in American history, has announced his intention to run for a fourth term in the US Senate this year.
In an 8 ยฝ minute video on X, the 82-year-old progressive announced his plans while highlighting his accomplishments and laying out his legislative priorities for the future.
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“These are challenging times for our country and the world,” Sanders expressed. “In numerous ways, the 2024 election holds immense significance as it is the most consequential election of our lifetimes.”
Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, which seemed like a long shot at the time, played a pivotal role in fueling the rise of the progressive movement. It not only paved the way for influential figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the inspiring group known as “The Squad,” but also steered the Democratic Party towards a more left-leaning direction.
In 2020, Sanders made another bid for the presidency. However, he fell short to Joe Biden and decided to drop out of the race just weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sanders was once seen as a marginal figure, but over time he has emerged as a key influencer in progressive politics and a significant figure in the Senate. In his video announcement, he emphasized that he is well-positioned to offer the necessary support that Vermonters require during these challenging times.
During Biden’s presidency, Sanders assumed the role of chairman for the Senate Budget Committee and subsequently for the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
He has been able to leave his mark on significant party-line legislation while advocating for progressive policies that aim to bring about transformative change. These policies include a proposal for a shorter 32-hour workweek and an increase in the federal minimum wage to $17.
In the past few months, Sanders, a Jewish individual with Polish immigrant roots, has emerged as the Senate’s primary critic of Israel’s approach to the Gaza conflict. He has actively advocated for imposing certain conditions on the United States’ assistance to Israel.
