Analysis: OK, Bernie Sanders, what about 2020?

Bernie Sanders’ Monday announcement that he is seeking a third term in the U.S. Senate sheds no light on unanswered questions about the Vermont independent’s political future. The real cliffhanger is, will he make another run for president in 2020?

Few people doubted Sanders would seek re-election, and the senator himself has for month answered questions about his plans by saying an announcement was coming soon that should surprise no one.

Sanders won in 2012 with 71 percent of the vote and finds a warm welcome at appearances throughout Vermont. He begins his latest run for the Senate with a massive warchest -- $6.9 million cash on hand as of March 31, according to the latest Federal Election Commission report.

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

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Few in Vermont politics can match that kind of money muscle.

Sanders so far faces little in the way of a challenger with a strong political resume or name recognition. As the Free Press reports, “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.”

Meanwhile, Sanders maintains a high national profile basking in the afterglow of his failed 2016 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Some polls show him to be the most popular politician in the country.

The Vermont senator has become a familiar face on cable news shows commenting on the latest developments in Washington, and has said he plans to help Democrats take control of Congress in the midterm elections, with an emphasis on progressive Democrats.

Jeff Weaver, longtime Sanders confidant who served as his campaign manager in 2016, is one supporter urging the senator on.

Earlier this year, Weaver published his insider look at the 2016 campaign, “How Bernie Won,” published earlier this year, concluding his book with “Run, Bernie, Run!”

The question now is, will Sanders heed the call?

Aki Soga is engagement editor for The Burlington Free Press. Email him at asoga@freepressmedia.com or chat with him on Twitter: @asoga