Independent Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont is actively involved in training young progressive candidates as part of a mid-term strategy for the 2026 elections, according to a report from Politico on Thursday.
Sanders is collaborating with Senate Democrats and a progressive political organization focused on recruiting younger candidates for various offices. Additionally, another group, Politico First, is helping provide necessary resources and support for potential candidates. Reports suggest that over 5,000 individuals have signed up to participate in these efforts, as confirmed by a team of Vermont Senators.
“We aim to ensure that we’re not just entering these spaces to hold meetings and then vanish. It’s not only about asking people to run for office,” said Jeremy Slevin, a top advisor to Sanders. “We equip them with the necessary tools to actually proceed.”
Slevin elaborated that the organization’s mission is to assist candidates by offering guidance on submitting applications, hiring staff, setting funding deadlines and goals, and fundamentally how to run a successful campaign.
The organization, referred to as “Run for Something,” claims to assist at every stage of the journey, acting as a safety net for new, dynamic progressive leaders, while supporting efficient, strategically driven grassroots campaigns throughout the process.
Throughout his time in the Senate, Sanders has been advocating for more Democrats and independents to hold office.
In February, he embarked on a national tour titled “Fighting Oligarchy,” where he addressed significant crowds about challenging the influence of wealthy oligarchs and corporations in the nation.
Email requests for comments regarding Sanders’ current initiatives were not returned by his office.
