Sanders says polls show voters want change in midterm elections
Senator Bernie Sanders said the major obstacle progressive candidates are facing in the midterm elections is massive spending in key races by the "billionaire class."
Independent senator Bernie Sanders cheered on progressive congressional candidates who have been on the rise in some states ahead of the 2026 midterm elections during an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" Sunday.
The Vermont senator said that the support for such candidates shows "grassroots excitement and enthusiasm" and a nationwide push for change.
"Whether it's Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, or anyplace else in this country … the polling indicates this, the people are sick and tired of the status quo," Sanders said.
He brought up Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan , who is also running for a U.S. Senate seat. Both of their closely watched primaries will take place in August.
Sanders is optimistic about their chances, but he did express concern about the "unbelievable amounts of money" that "the billionaire class" is throwing into some key races to "protect the establishment candidates." He pointed to both of their Senate races, and also mentioned the competitive race in Maine .
"Whether we could overcome that (spending) remains to be seen," Sanders said, pointing to super PACs in Michigan putting $50 million against El-Sayed, who is competing against moderate Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens , a congresswoman who has represented Michigan's 11th Congressional District since 2019. Flanagan and Democrats including. Rep. Angie Craig are running for retiring Sen. Tina Smith's seat.