Bernie Sanders: Public Defenses, Progressive Wins Mark Early 2026

WASHINGTON (Azat TV) – United States Senator Bernie Sanders has been at the forefront of national political discourse in early 2026, publicly defending an Olympic athlete against presidential criticism and celebrating a key primary victory for an endorsed progressive ally. These events underscore the Vermont Senator’s continued influence in shaping public debate and advancing his progressive agenda, even as a candidate he recently backed faces scrutiny over past online comments.

Defending Free Expression: The Hunter Hess Controversy

Senator Sanders sharply pushed back against former President Donald Trump on February 13, 2026, after Trump publicly criticized U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess. Trump had called Hess a “real loser” on Truth Social following the athlete’s remarks about having “mixed emotions” regarding representing the U.S. at the Winter Olympics. Sanders framed his defense of Hess around fundamental democratic principles, arguing that public figures, especially former presidents, should not demean Americans for expressing their concerns or nuanced feelings.

Sanders condemned Trump’s attack as an abuse of influence, describing it as part of a pattern where Trump resorts to personal attacks rather than addressing substantive issues. The Senator emphasized the importance of respect for athletes who represent the country on an international stage and asserted that leaders should not vilify individuals for their complex emotions. This incident, widely covered by media outlets, reignited debates about presidential conduct, free expression, and the treatment of national representatives in public discourse.

Progressive Victories: Analilia Mejia’s New Jersey Win

In a significant win for the progressive movement, Analilia Mejia, a longtime ally of Senator Sanders, was declared the winner of a special Democratic primary election for a U.S. House seat in New Jersey’s 11th District. The Associated Press confirmed Mejia’s victory on February 5, 2026, one week after the closely contested race. Mejia, who served as Sanders’ political director during his 2020 presidential campaign and later as a deputy director in the Labor Department under President Joe Biden, secured the nomination despite opposition from groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which had campaigned against her rival, former Rep. Tom Malinowski.

Mejia’s win, endorsed by Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, signifies a continuing shift in the once reliably Republican district towards more progressive politics. Her campaign focused on populist economic policies and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This victory highlights Sanders’ enduring ability to rally support for candidates who align with his vision for economic and social justice, even in challenging electoral environments.

Endorsement Challenges: Graham Platner’s Resurfaced Posts

The Senator’s influence also extends to endorsing candidates in other key races, though not without its complexities. Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Maine, whom Senator Sanders recently endorsed, has been addressing resurfaced Reddit posts from four years ago. In these posts, Platner, who served in the infantry in Iraq and Afghanistan, used the username “P-Hustle” and made controversial statements, including calling himself a “socialist-turned-communist” and making disparaging remarks about police and certain demographics. Sanders had previously called Platner “a great working class candidate for Senate in Maine who will defeat Susan Collins.”

Platner has since apologized for the comments, describing them as “the dumbest thing I ever wrote on the internet” and stating they are not reflective of who he is today. He attributed the comments to a period when he was struggling deeply with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression after leaving the military. This situation brings to light the challenges public figures and their endorsers face as past online activities come under scrutiny, while also highlighting the broader discussion around mental health and accountability.

Bernie Sanders and the Broader Progressive Movement

These recent events fit within Senator Sanders’ consistent and broader advocacy for what he terms a ‘political revolution’ against corporate power and economic inequality. His ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour continues to mobilize public events, often featuring figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to highlight threats to federal programs like Social Security and Medicaid, and to push for policies aimed at climate action, healthcare access, and racial and economic justice. Sanders emphasizes the interconnectedness of these issues, framing them as essential fights against concentrated wealth and for a more democratic and equitable society.

His movement also leverages cultural moments, including music festivals like Coachella, to engage younger voters and promote civic participation, translating policy goals into relatable calls to action. The Senator’s unwavering focus on these core issues, combined with his active role in defending democratic values and supporting progressive candidates, continues to solidify his position as a central figure in American progressive politics.

Senator Sanders’ continued engagement in high-profile political skirmishes and electoral campaigns in early 2026 demonstrates his enduring commitment to leveraging his platform for progressive ideals, even as the movement navigates the complexities of public scrutiny and evolving political landscapes.