Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is running for re-election, squelching speculation that he might retire at a difficult moment for Democrats The 82-year-old liberal icon from Vermont announced Monday that he's seeking his fourth term in the U.S.

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced Monday he will run for reelection this year, squelching speculation that the 82-year-old progressive icon might retire at a time when the Democratic Party is anxious about the advancing age of its top leaders.

Hailing from a Democratic stronghold, Sanders’ decision virtually guarantees that he will return to Washington for a fourth Senate term. And his announcement comes at a critical moment for Democrats as the party navigates a growing divide over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

Sanders has criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S. relationship with Israel even as he’s hailed much of Biden’s domestic agenda ahead of what could be a tough reelection fight for Biden against presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

  • pjwestin@lemmy.world
    81·
    6 months ago

    I’m really conflicted here. I love Bernie, and I’m afraid of a cooperate centrist taking the place of one of the few truly progressive votes in the Senate, but 82 is way to old to be signing up for another term. He still seems as sharp as ever, but will that be true for another 6 years? I don’t want to see him go out like Diane Feinstein.