A Strategic Alliance to Reshape American Politics
In a significant move to strengthen progressive representation across America, Senator Bernie Sanders has partnered with Run for Something to recruit, train, and support a new generation of progressive candidates. This collaboration, announced on May 8, 2025, aims to build on Sanders’ ongoing “Fighting Oligarchy” tour by providing organizational muscle to his calls for more progressives to seek public office.
The initiative has already generated substantial interest, with over 5,000 people expressing their desire to run for office through Sanders’ operation. These potential candidates are being connected with Run for Something and other partner organizations that provide essential training and resources.
“I am writing to ask you to run for office. Yes, you,” Sanders wrote in an email to supporters last month. “We need to elect progressives at every level in this country who are prepared to side with the working class in America and fight for an economy and government that works for all of us, not just the few.”
Empowering Young Progressive Voices
Run for Something, founded after Donald Trump’s first election victory, specializes in recruiting and supporting young progressive candidates for down-ballot races. The organization has seen unprecedented growth, with more than 45,000 candidates signing up since Election Day 2024—surpassing its entire first three years of recruitment.
“Young people aren’t waiting for the change we need – they’re stepping up to be that change,” said Amanda Litman, president of Run for Something. “Our future depends on building a new generation of leaders, and with this partnership, we can reach even more young people ready to serve their communities and fight for change.”
A Movement Beyond Sanders
At 83, Sanders has drawn record crowds during his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, often joined by progressive representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Maxwell Frost, Ro Khanna, and Chris Deluzio. While he hasn’t ruled out another presidential bid, this partnership suggests Sanders is focused on ensuring his movement’s longevity by cultivating new progressive leadership.
The initiative comes at a critical time when the Democratic Party faces internal debates about its direction following the 2024 election losses. Sanders has argued that his populist economic agenda is key to winning back working-class voters, contrary to centrist Democrats who blame progressives for pulling the party too far left.
Sanders’ partnership with Run for Something represents a strategic effort to build progressive power from the ground up, potentially reshaping American politics for generations to come.
