Full Breakdown
Bernie Sanders Urges Democrats to Ban Super PACs from Primary Elections
8/9/2026, 9:03:05 PM
Core Event
Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democratic Party, sent a letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and DNC Chair Ken Martin urging the party to prohibit super PACs from participating in Democratic primaries. In an exclusive interview on “Face the Nation,” Sanders described the current system as “corrupt” and called for immediate party action.
Background & Context
Super PACs—independent political committees that can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate directly with candidates—have become a focal point in recent election cycles. Sanders argued that allowing outside money, including from corporate and foreign-linked entities, undermines democratic choice within party nominations. He noted that while candidates may still accept PAC money in general elections, primaries present a distinct opportunity for reform.
Data Highlighted by Sanders
- Corporate-backed super PACs have already spent over $517 million during the 2026 midterm election cycle.
- In the 2022 Michigan Senate race, Democratic candidate Haley Stevens received more than $50 million from outside organizations, including $30 million from the pro-Israel group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
- Sanders cited reports that AIPAC plans to spend “tens of millions” to support Republican Mike Rogers, the opponent of Democrat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in the same race.
Official Statements & Proposals
In his letter, Sanders called for a constitutional amendment to overturn the 2010 Citizens United decision, which removed limits on independent political spending. He also advocated legislation to establish public funding of elections. Sanders acknowledged that broader reforms—such as repealing Citizens United—are necessary for lasting change but emphasized that the party can act now to curb outsized spending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What you are seeing is, it doesn't matter that you're a Democrat or Republican,” — Sen. Bernie Sanders, national committee chair
- “Look, in the world that we live in, until we get rid of Citizens United and get rid of super PACs and move to public funding of elections, that is the reality,” — Sen. Bernie Sanders, national committee chair
- “I urge you to take action and make clear that the Democratic Party will no longer maintain this corrupt system," Sanders wrote.” — Sen. Bernie Sanders, national committee chair
