Bernie Sanders Endorses Slate of Progressive Candidates Who Win Democratic Primaries
Sen. Bernie Sanders, 84, is closing out his political career by backing a slate of progressive candidates who have notched a series of Democratic primary victories in 2026. His endorsees include Graham Platner, who won the Maine Senate Democratic primary with 72% of the vote, and Randy Villegas, who advanced to a general election runoff in California's 22nd Congressional District. The wins signal a leftward shift in the Democratic Party's base, raising questions about whether Sanders-style progressivism can translate into general election success against Republicans.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who has caucused with Democrats throughout his congressional career dating to 1991, is wielding unprecedented influence within the Democratic Party as he winds down his political career. His endorsed candidates have won primaries in Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California, while others are advancing to general elections in competitive districts. The most prominent victory came in Maine, where Graham Platner defeated establishment-backed Gov. Janet Mills in the Senate Democratic primary with over 72% of the vote, despite a personal scandal in the final days of the race. Sanders has also partnered with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on a nationwide 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour drawing large crowds, and he helped elect New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist. Sanders has largely ruled out another presidential run, citing his age — he is 84 and would be 86 by the 2028 election — though he filed paperwork with the FEC in January to run for Senate again in 2030. Centrist Democrats and Republican critics warn that Sanders-backed candidates have yet to flip a Republican-held seat, and that a hard-left platform risks alienating the moderate voters needed to win competitive general elections.
What's missing
Neither source provides detailed polling data on how Sanders-backed general election candidates are performing against their Republican opponents, which is critical for evaluating whether the progressive primary strategy translates into electoral gains. The sources also do not address Sanders's fundraising infrastructure or how much financial support he is directing to endorsed candidates.
How coverage differed
The Washington Examiner frames Sanders's influence as a remarkable personal legacy story, giving relatively balanced treatment to both his successes and the open question of whether his movement benefits the party. The Washington Times uses more charged language — describing candidates as 'far-left' and 'left-wing firebrand' — and gives more prominent space to Republican and centrist critics warning that Sanders's approach risks electoral damage.
What different sources said
- Washington TimesRight
Bernie Sanders pulls Democratic Party hard left as his primary picks rack up wins
- Washington ExaminerRight
Bye bye, Bernie? Socialist Sanders is reshaping the Democratic Party in his image in final political act
Related
Spencer Pratt Claims Office Fire Was Arson, Alleges Political Retaliation After LA Mayoral Primary Loss
A fire broke out Thursday at Spencer Pratt's Pacific Palisades office, which he alleges was deliberate arson linked to his political activities. Pratt, who finished third in the Los Angeles mayoral primary, has been publicly attacking incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman, who advanced to the general election runoff. The incident adds a new dimension to Pratt's ongoing media campaign, which includes claims of a secret recording he says could force one of the candidates to resign.
Poll Shows Growing Support for Deportations as Debate Continues Over Who Is Being Removed
A new Harvard/Harris poll finds 80% of voters support deporting immigrants who have committed crimes, up from 75% in April, with Democratic support rising 8 points to 71%. The survey comes amid an ongoing debate over the composition of those being detained and deported under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. The findings highlight shifting public opinion on immigration enforcement even as questions persist about the criminal backgrounds of those being removed.
NSW ICAC Inquiry Exposes Alleged Corruption by City of Parramatta's 'Pink Ladies' Network
A five-week public inquiry by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has examined misconduct allegations against former City of Parramatta CEO Gail Connolly and two senior colleagues, Roxanne Thornton and Angela Jones-Blayney, who were part of a social group called the Pink Ladies. The women face allegations including manipulating hiring processes, conducting covert surveillance on staff and a councillor, misusing public funds, and improperly terminating employees. The inquiry could result in formal corrupt conduct findings against the women, with two still on paid leave from the council.