82-year-old U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is running for reelection to a fourth term

President Biden stands with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., on April 3, 2024.

Mark Schiefelbein / Mark Schiefelbein

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said Monday that he would run for reelection this year, squelching speculation that the 82-year-old progressive icon might retire at a time when the Democratic Party is anxious about the advancing age of its top leaders.

Hailing from a Democratic stronghold, Sanders’ decision virtually guarantees that he will return to Washington for a fourth Senate term. And his announcement comes at a critical moment for Democrats as the party navigates a growing divide over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

Sanders has criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S. relationship with Israel even as he’s hailed much of the Biden’s domestic agenda ahead of what could be a tough reelection bid against GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.