Bernie Sanders returns as left-wing kingmaker in Democrats' primaries.

TL;DR

Bernie Sanders positions himself as a kingmaker by backing progressive Democrats in primaries a decade after his first presidential run.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)
The 84-year-old senator has built a political machine to support young, new candidates on progressive policies amid Democrats' struggles against President Trump.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)
Progressives succeed against fellow Democrats in primaries and win safe general elections, but some party members doubt viability in competitive races.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)

The story at a glance

A Wall Street Journal article profiles Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders as he works to shape the Democratic Party by endorsing and aiding progressive candidates in recent primaries. Reporter Eliza Collins opens at a February town hall Sanders held at Stanford University in California, co-hosted with Rep. Ro Khanna. The piece comes now as Democrats search for ways to regain congressional majorities ahead of the 2026 midterms while facing President Trump.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)

Key points

Sanders, at age 84, says he won't run for president again but uses his influence to promote left-wing policies and back inexperienced progressive candidates.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)
His efforts have expanded the progressive wing in Congress since 2016, mainly by defeating moderate Democrats in primaries followed by easy general-election wins in safe districts.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)
At the Stanford event, students lined up for Sanders, showing his draw among young voters, as Democrats lack a clear strategy to challenge Trump.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)
Sanders's endorsement boosts primaries but carries risks; critics call it a liability in swing districts where broader appeal is needed.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)
Rep. Ro Khanna warned before the town hall that AI could worsen inequality, tying into Sanders's economic focus.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)

Details and context

The article frames Sanders's persistence ten years after his 2016 White House bid failed, noting how he shifted Democratic colleagues leftward without fading away. It highlights his machine's role in primaries during a time when the party scrambles for unity against Trump.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)

Progressive wins have come in low-competition generals, raising questions about electability in tougher races. Sanders's support isn't foolproof in primaries, and some see his backing as polarizing voters needed to flip seats.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)

This fits ongoing Democratic debates over direction, with centrists pushing back against leftward pulls as midterms near.[[2]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/democratic-centrists-want-to-fightand-prove-they-will-take-on-the-establishment-909dd6d9)

Key quotes

“And AI risks significantly exacerbating it.”[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)

— Rep. Ro Khanna, in an interview before co-hosting the Stanford town hall with Sanders.

Why it matters

Sanders's influence tests whether a more progressive Democratic Party can reclaim power from Republicans in Congress. For voters and candidates, it means primaries will favor bold left policies, potentially complicating appeals in swing areas. Watch 2026 general elections in competitive districts to see if Sanders-backed progressives hold up, though outcomes remain uncertain.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/bernie-sanders-left-wing-kingmaker-democrat-5bb1cdcd)