Bernie Sanders, 82, announces he's running for another term in the Senate

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders, the 82-year-old self-described democratic socialist from Vermont, announced Monday that he plans to seek another term in the U.S. Senate.

In a video statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Sanders said he would be "in a strong position to provide the kind of help that Vermonters need in these difficult times," noting his high-level role in multiple committees and in the Senate's Democratic leadership.

"In many ways, this 2024 election is the most consequential election in our lifetimes," he said, not directly referencing President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump but adding: "Will the United States continue to even function as a democracy, or will we move to an authoritarian form of government?"

It was unclear whether Sanders, whose fourth Senate term is up at the end of this year, would run for another. Senators serve for six-year terms, and Sanders would be 89 years old when his next senate term ends. President Joe Biden's age, 81, has become a flashpoint in his reelection campaign.

Sanders has emerged as a leading voice of the progressive left. He previously ran to be the Democratic Pparty's nominee for president in 2016 and in 2020, and he caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate.

In his video addressed to Vermont voters, Sanders said he has tried to protect healthcare, climate resiliency, veterans' benefits and abortion rights in the state. And he noted his opposition to sending additional funding to Israel, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians while pursuing Hamas in Gaza.

Before being elected to the Senate in 2006, Sanders served eight terms in the House beginning in 1991. He previously served as the mayor of Burlington.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bernie Sanders, 82, announces he's running for another Senate term