Bernie Sanders announces bid for re-election to U.S. Senate

Bernie Sanders will ask Vermont to elect him to a third term in the U.S. Senate later this year.

Sanders announced his plans to seek re-election Monday, saying there's more work to be done on his priorities such as a $15 minimum wage, a single payer health care program, free college tuition and other topics. His campaign plans to hold a series of kickoff rallies in June.

"This is a pivotal moment in American history, and I think it’s important that I continue my efforts," Sanders said in an interview.

A second presidential campaign in the works?

The independent Vermont senator has not ruled out a second presidential campaign in 2020 and says he is focused on the upcoming midterm elections. His Senate campaign reported $6.9 million in cash on hand as of the end of March.

A spokeswoman for Sanders' campaign said he plans to run as an independent. In past elections, Sanders has declined the Democratic nomination but accepted the Democratic endorsement.

"As he has for many campaigns, Bernie will contribute to and participate in the Vermont Democratic coordinated campaign," the spokeswoman, Arianna Jones, said in a statement.

Sanders' opponents

Sanders was first elected to represent Vermont in the U.S. Senate in 2006.

More election coverage: Sen. Bernie Sanders' seat attracts 4 newcomer candidates

Several little-known candidates have announced that they intend to challenge Sanders for his seat, including Republican Jasdeep Pannu, independent candidate Brad Peacock and Democrat Jon Svitavsky.

Sanders was re-elected in 2012 with 71 percent of votes cast.

Contact April McCullum at 802-660-1863 or amccullum@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @April_McCullum.