WATCH: 82-Year-Old Sen. Bernie Sanders Announces Reelection Campaign

On Monday, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the 82-year-old two-time presidential candidate and democratic socialism advocate, announced that he would be seeking a fourth term in the Senate. Sanders, who has been credited with invigorating the progressive movement with his 2016 presidential run, justified his first term by arguing that American democracy is at stake.

"Let me thank the people of Vermont, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me the opportunity to serve them in the United States Senate. It has been the honor of my life," he announced on X. "Today, I am announcing my intention to seek another term."

In a video message to constituents, the independent senator asserted that the general election in November will be "the most consequential election in our lifetimes." The Vermont senator has served on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) leadership team and heads the Senate's healthcare committee. Sanders has taken a proactive role in advocating for more social spending in recent years, but with the looming general election, the former presidential candidate could face an ineffective next few years given that Republicans will likely retake the upper chamber and have a shot at the White House.

"There are very difficult times for our country and in world," Sanders said in his video message. "And, in many ways, this 2024 election is the most consequential election in our lifetimes. Will the United States continue to even function as a Democracy, or will we move to an authoritarian form of government?"

Sanders also spoke out about the ongoing war in Gaza, which has been on the mind of many progressive activists in recent months. While Sanders agreed that Israel has a right to defend itself against attacks, he did criticize the Netanyahu government, saying, "In my view, U.S. taxpayers should not be providing billions more to the extremist Netanyahu government to continue its devastating war against the Palestinian people."

WATCH:

Let me thank the people of Vermont, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me the opportunity to serve them in the United States Senate. It has been the honor of my life.

Today, I am announcing my intention to seek another term. Here is why: pic.twitter.com/cfO8MF4Cep

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) May 6, 2024

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