Bernie Sanders, the 83-year-old independent senator from Vermont known for his progressive stance, is aiming to secure a fourth six-year term in the U.S. Senate in the upcoming election.
Sanders, who identifies as a democratic socialist, has closely aligned himself with the Democratic Party and has made two notable attempts to capture the presidential nomination. Recently, he collaborated extensively with the Biden administration to shape domestic policy in various areas, including health care, education, and workers’ rights.

In this election, Sanders faces challenges from Republican Gerald Malloy, a veteran of the U.S. Army and a businessman, alongside independent candidate Steve Berry and several candidates from minor parties like Mark Stewart Greenstein, Matt Hill, and Justin Schoville.

Sanders cites several critical challenges facing the nation as his motivation to run again, including threats to democracy, significant income and wealth disparities, climate change, and issues surrounding women’s rights. In a debate aired on WCAX-TV, he expressed concern that his experience and seniority could be pivotal during these crucial times in American history, leading him to continue representing Vermont.

Malloy, who is 62 years old, served in the Army for over two decades and spent 16 years as a defense contractor. He has suggested that Sanders, after 34 years in Congress, should consider retirement. He claims that Sanders has not been effective in delivering meaningful results for constituents.
“I have 40 years of very relevant experience in business, government, military, and foreign policy,” Malloy asserted during the debate.

Malloy, a West Point graduate with an MBA, aims to foster high-paying job creation, encourage business growth and innovation, and is staunchly opposed to tax increases if he is elected. He also emphasizes his intent to uphold immigration laws and enhance border security.

Meanwhile, Sanders, who leads the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, stands by his extensive track record in Congress. He consistently advocates for government-funded health care, increased taxes on the wealthy, reduced military involvement abroad, and significant climate change initiatives.

Looking ahead, Sanders has labeled this presidential election as one of the most pivotal in contemporary history. An outspoken critic of former President Donald Trump, he had endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. Sanders has also expressed strong disagreements with Biden concerning aid to Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas, particularly attempting to halt U.S. arms sales to the nation.

Sanders began his political career as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, serving from 1981 to 1989. He then represented Vermont in Congress for 16 years before making two bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020. More than a year ago, he publicly declined to run for president again and committed to endorsing Biden’s reelection, prior to Biden’s withdrawal from the race in July.