Sen. Bernie Sanders’s (I-VT) lagging fundraising during the final quarter of 2023 could be an indication that the longtime Democratic socialist icon may be getting ready to retire.
Sanders has said in recent days he’ll soon decide whether to seek a fourth term in the Senate, and his office did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment. Yet the independent senator had one of his worst fundraising quarters in three cycles, raising about $535,000, according to his campaign finance report that came out this week. His campaign also reported spending about $75,000 more than it was bringing in.
“The fundraising can be a good indication when the numbers are anemic; it tends to mean that the official or candidate is not putting a lot of effort into fundraising,” said Jon Reinish, a Democratic strategist, but offered a caveat. “Sanders historically has always had a sort of online army of small-dollar donors who can be activated at a moment’s notice.”
The 82-year-old independent, who caucuses with the Democrats, doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. Sanders is the chairman of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, giving him broad jurisdiction over concerns at the center of his previous campaigns, such as workers rights, the cost of prescription drugs, and access to healthcare.
ELECTION 2024: FOLLOW LATEST COVERAGE
However, Sanders is the second oldest member of the Senate after 90-year-old Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). If he decides to run for re-election he would be 89 by the end of his term.
A debate about age and politics has been at the forefront of the presidential race as President Joe Biden, 81, and former President Donald Trump, 77, vie for the White House, while GOP challenger Nikki Haley has called for term limits and mental competency tests for politicians over the age of 75.
Concerns about aging politicians were also acute in the Senate last year when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appeared to freeze for 30 seconds while answering questions from reporters two times. The 81-year-old was hospitalized last year after suffering a fall that required him to complete physical therapy.
Also in the headlines throughout 2023 was 90-year-old Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who returned to the Senate last spring appearing disoriented and frail after a case of shingles resulted in serious complications, prompting calls for her resignation from fellow Democrats. Feinstein died in October 2023.
Sanders has had some health challenges of his own. In 2019, he experienced chest discomfort while at a campaign event in Nevada and later disclosed he had a heart attack. The senator had two stents inserted to open up a blocked artery in his heart, according to a statement from his doctors at the time.
“He’s well into his 80s, he’s had a long career — many would argue a distinguished career — and he’s made his mark on politics. I would not be surprised if he decided after many terms in Congress to decline to run this time,” Reinish said.
Sanders has until May 30, which is Vermont’s filing deadline for congressional candidates. Some former aides of his presidential campaigns don’t see retirement on the horizon.
“I don’t know what he’s planning to do, but I just can’t imagine him retiring. He’s still fully with it and has so much energy, especially running his committee,” said a former aide from his 2016 presidential campaign.
The person also said the senator could be waiting to see what the forecast is looking like for Senate control since his role could dramatically change if Democrats lose and he’s once again in the minority.
“He may decide another term isn’t worth it for him under Republican control, especially since his seat is a safe Democratic-leaning one. It’s not like he’s in a swing district,” the person added.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Reinish doesn’t think being in the minority is something Sanders is concerned about when making a decision about his political future.
“I don’t tend to see that status really mattering to him as to whether he will run again,” he said. “He has so many protegees throughout American politics, including in Congress, so his influence will live on, even if he decides not to seek reelection.”
