US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) announced on Monday his intentions to run for a fourth consecutive term in the Senate this year, ending speculation over his potential retirement.
In a video statement, the former Democratic presidential candidate said that his time in the Senate had been the "honor of [his] life," and stressed that he has been "in a strong position" to offer the kind of support that he said Vermonters need.
Following a decades-long advocation of progressive politics, Sanders' decision to seek reelection almost guarantees another six years representing Vermont. While many thought that November might have been the end of the politician's illustrious career, it's clear that there is too much at stake for the veteran to draw the curtains on his career.
Sanders' decision to run for reelection has unsurprisingly been met with much criticism. Irrespective of his influence on the left, age cannot be ignored. Sanders is but one of a long list of Washington elites who must accept their time is up and make way for a new generation of public officials.