Bernie Sanders is putting new money behind progressive candidates in the final stretch before the midterm elections, ramping up a political operation that has already made him one of the most active surrogates of the 2018 cycle.
The Vermont senator's political organization announced a fresh round of financial support for candidates aligned with his agenda, according to reports. The move marks an escalation in his effort to shape the Democratic Party's direction from outside the formal party structure.
Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, has spent months traveling the country stumping for candidates who back Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage and stricter Wall Street oversight. His endorsement and fundraising network carry weight with the party's progressive base, a voting bloc that turnout-hungry Democrats cannot afford to ignore.
The cash boost comes as control of both chambers of Congress hangs in the balance. Democrats need to flip 23 Republican-held House seats to take the majority, while the Senate map heavily favors Republicans. Every dollar and every rally matters in close races.
Sanders has not ruled out another presidential run in 2020, and his midterm activity doubles as a way to build goodwill with candidates and activists who could prove useful in a future national campaign. Allies say the spending is about policy, not personal ambition.
"Bernie understands that real change doesn't happen from the top down," said a spokesperson for his political organization. "It happens when voters elect people who will fight for working families."
The senator's operation has focused on a mix of House and Senate races, prioritizing districts where young voters and working-class voters could tip the outcome. His rallies have drawn thousands in states like Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, all general election battlegrounds.
Critics argue that Sanders' brand of politics alienates moderate voters in suburban districts where Democrats must win to retake the House. Party strategists have clashed with Sanders' wing over messaging and candidate recruitment throughout the cycle.
Still, Sanders remains one of the few national figures who can draw large crowds and small-dollar donations on demand. His email list, built over two presidential runs and years of grassroots organizing, is among the most lucrative in Democratic politics.
The midterms take place Nov. 6. Early voting is already underway in several states, and Sanders is expected to continue campaigning through election eve.
