Sanders warns of super-PAC influence as Midwest races tighten ahead of midterms

Senator Bernie Sanders told Face the Nation that upcoming contests in Minnesota and Michigan will be close and that outsized super-PAC spending threatens progressive candidates.

During a Face one outlet's interview, Senator Bernie Sanders highlighted the tightness of the Minnesota lieutenant-governor race, where he backs Peggy Flanagan against moderate Angie Craig, emphasizing that Flanagan faces a seven-to-one spending disadvantage but benefits from a robust ground operation. He referenced the surprising victory of Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, a campaign that overcame a nine-to-one spending gap and $60 million from billionaire-backed super PACs, many linked to AIPAC.

Sanders argued that the pervasive influence of super-PACs and wealthy donors undermines democracy, urging Democrats to adopt public funding for primaries and bar PAC money in those contests while accepting it in general elections. He noted similar progressive platforms in Wisconsin, such as Francesca Hong’s proposals for free childcare and higher taxes on millionaires, but explained his limited involvement in governor races.

Sanders also condemned ongoing U.S. financial support for Israel’s right-wing government under Benjamin Netanyahu, describing the conflict as genocide and urging a reassessment of aid. Throughout, he linked voter discontent to rising inequality, unaffordable living costs, and the lack of health-care as a right.