Sanders says 2026 midterms polls show voters want change
Bernie Sanders backed progressive Senate hopefuls and warned that super PAC money could shape key Democratic primaries.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Bernie Sanders said the 2026 midterms are already showing a hunger for political change, telling CBS News’ “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on Sunday that polls point to voters rejecting the status quo.
The independent senator from Vermont praised progressive congressional candidates gaining attention in several states and described their support as evidence of “grassroots excitement and enthusiasm.” He said polling shows people are “sick and tired of the status quo,” naming Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont among the places where he sees that mood taking hold.
What did Bernie Sanders say about the 2026 midterms?
Sanders said progressive candidates are benefiting from voter frustration with both Democratic and Republican establishments. He argued that recent progressive wins and support for left-leaning candidates show a real split inside the Democratic Party, rather than a fringe protest.
He pointed to Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for Senate in Michigan, and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is also seeking a U.S. Senate seat. CBS News reported that both primaries are scheduled for August.
Sanders said he is hopeful about their campaigns, while warning that wealthy donors and outside spending could tilt major races. He specifically cited what he called “unbelievable amounts of money” from “the billionaire class” being used to protect establishment candidates.
In Michigan, Sanders said super PACs are putting $50 million against El-Sayed, who is running against Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens. Stevens has represented Michigan’s 11th Congressional District since 2019, according to CBS News.
In Minnesota, Flanagan is running for the seat held by retiring Sen. Tina Smith. Democratic Rep. Angie Craig is also among the Democrats in that race, CBS News reported.
Why are Democrats arguing over progressive candidates?
Some Democrats have warned that nominating far-left candidates can split the party’s base and make it easier for Republicans to win general elections. CBS News noted that former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently raised that concern in an op-ed about the 2026 midterms.
Asked about that criticism, Sanders acknowledged a “strong division within the Democratic Party” but said progressives are winning races across the country. He said voters are tired of what he described as both the Democratic establishment and the Republican establishment.
Sanders also predicted that some working-class Republican voters could be drawn to progressive candidates. He said many of those voters struggle with college costs and retirement, and predicted that “more than a few” would vote for Flanagan in Minnesota and El-Sayed in Michigan.
What did Sanders say about Maine’s Senate race?
Sanders also addressed the Senate race in Maine, where state Democrats selected Troy Jackson after progressive Graham Platner suspended his campaign. CBS News reported that Platner stepped aside after a sexual assault allegation, following other personal controversies; Sanders’ interview did not include a response from Platner to the allegation.
When Brennan asked whether he regretted supporting Platner, Sanders said he did not. He said that after hearing the allegation, he wanted to speak with Platner and joined supporters in asking him to leave the race.
Brennan also asked whether Sanders was confident the other candidates he supports had been fully vetted. Sanders replied that he did not know who had been “fully vetted,” but said the candidates he supports are standing up for the working class.
Sanders said Jackson still has a strong chance to win despite entering the race later. He said he has known Jackson for years and argued that the Maine candidate understands voters’ anger over income inequality and people living paycheck to paycheck.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.