Bernie Sanders urges Democrats to ban super PACs in primaries

Senator Bernie Sanders has called on Democratic leadership to ban super PACs from participating in Democratic primaries, describing the current influence of billionaire-funded groups as a ‘corrupt system.’ In a letter addressed to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and DNC Chair Ken Martin, Sanders highlighted that corporate-backed super PACs have already spent over $517 million in the 2026 midterm cycle.

Sanders specifically cited the role of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in the Michigan Senate primary. AIPAC reportedly spent approximately $30 million to support Representative Haley Stevens, who was ultimately defeated by Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. Sanders noted that AIPAC is now reportedly planning to spend tens of millions to support the Republican nominee, Mike Rogers, in the general election.

Sanders argued that it is ‘absurd’ for special interests to attempt to dictate Democratic nominees only to pivot to supporting Republican candidates if their preferred candidate loses. Beyond an immediate party ban on super PACs in primaries, Sanders advocated for a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United ruling and called for the public financing of elections.