Rep. Gregory Meeks Gregory Weldon MeeksBottom line Democrats go big on diversity with new House recruits Chamber of Commerce, banking industry groups call on Senate to pass corporate diversity bill MORE (D-N.Y.) on Thursday criticized Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE for seeking the Democratic Party's nomination for president despite being an independent.

Meeks, appearing on CNN, called on Sanders to "run as a Democrat."

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"If in fact you want to be the Democratic nominee, you should be a Democrat," Meeks said. "If you’re not a Democrat, you should not run. You should run as an independent. He’s not a Democrat."

"Bernie Sanders is not a Democrat... I want a Democrat to be my representative as President of the United States," @RepGregoryMeeks tells @PoppyHarlowCNN https://t.co/7TmXQtt2df pic.twitter.com/IbeEohtqfZ — CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) February 21, 2019

Sanders has previously faced criticism from Democrats for not fully embracing the party.

However, Sanders's campaign adviser, Jeff Weaver, told CNN Wednesday that the senator plans to sign a pledge affirming that he will run as a Democrat in his presidential bid and govern as a Democrat if elected.

The pledge is part of new rules implemented by the Democratic National Committee.

But Meeks on Thursday said Sanders should go a step further and register as a Democrat.

"And then he can talk about running to be my representative. I want a Democrat to be my representative as president of the United States," Meeks said.

Sanders said earlier this week that he will run for the presidency again in 2020 after he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination in 2016.