Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) urged Democrats to pursue an ambitious progressive agenda ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that voters want significant changes to the way the country is governed.
Sanders Demands Bold Democratic Policy Changes
On Saturday, in a post on X, Sanders cited a new AP-NORC poll that found 80% of registered voters surveyed wanted either “complete and total upheaval” or “substantial change” in the way the country is run.
The poll figures cited by Sanders showed that 97% of Democrats, 90% of independents and 58% of Republicans wanted major change.
“If the Democratic Party thinks that they can just tinker around the edges once they take control of Congress, guess again,” Sanders wrote.
He called for Democrats to reject what he described as “failed establishment status quo policies” and adopt proposals including Medicare for All, an annual 5% wealth tax on billionaires, a minimum wage of at least $20 an hour and expanded Social Security.
His agenda also includes free tuition at public colleges and medical and nursing schools, universal child care, the construction of 7 million affordable homes and apartments, and a moratorium on AI data centers.
Sanders also called for an end to “never-ending wars” and U.S. support for the Israeli government.
“The American people have had enough. They want a government that delivers for working families, not just the 1%. The Democrats must deliver,” he added.
Democrats Prepared Election Protection Efforts
In October, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats had trained more than 100 Senate staff members to monitor nine states for potential election interference ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Earlier this month, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also urged election preparedness after the Trump administration declined to invite OSCE observers, encouraging Americans to join Indivisible’s election-protection program.
Polls Showed Democratic Edge Ahead of Midterms
A September Reuters/Ipsos poll found that Trump’s approval rating remained at 32%, while Hispanic voters favored Democrats over Republicans 52% to 26%.
An August poll showed Democrats leading Republicans in economic trust, 37% to 36%, and congressional voting preferences, 42% to 37%.
Last month, Trump predicted a “BIG” Republican victory in the 2026 midterms and pledged to campaign for GOP candidates.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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