Sen. Bernie Sanders is calling on leaders of the Democratic party to end super PAC participation in primaries, saying in a letter shared exclusively with “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that the fundraising organizations lead to a “corrupt system.”
Super PACs can raise unlimited money for a candidate, but are barred from coordinating directly with them or their team. Corporate-backed super PACs have already spent over $517 million during the 2026 midterm election cycle, Sanders noted in his letter. The message was addressed to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin. Sanders is an independent who frequently caucuses with Democrats.
Funding from super PACs and other outside donors has become a key issue in some races. Haley Stevens, a Democratic candidate for the Michigan Senate who was defeated by opponent Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, received over $50 million in donations from outside organizations in the race, including $30 million from the pro-Israel group American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Sanders noted AIPAC’s donations to Stevens in his message, and highlighted reports the organization is now planning to spend “tens of millions” to support Republican Mike Rogers, El-Sayed’s opponent in the general election.
“What is particularly obscene is not only the outrageous amount of money coming into Democratic primaries from billionaire-funded super PACs, but the reality that these special interests have no particular desire to see Democrats win,” Sanders wrote.
“It is absurd that they spend tens of millions of dollars to try to determine who the Democratic nominee is and, if they fail, then proceed to support the Republican candidate in the general election,” Sanders added. “That is not democracy. That is not what Democratic voters want.”
Sanders called on the country to pass a constitutional amendment to repeal Citizens United, a 2010 Supreme Court ruling that struck down limits on independent political spending by outside groups. He also advocated for legislation that would allow for the public funding of elections. But the most immediate suggestion Sanders had was for the Democratic Party to prohibit super PACs from participating in primaries.
“I urge you to take action and make clear that the Democratic Party will no longer maintain this corrupt system,” Sanders wrote.
“While there are ideological differences of opinion within the big tent of the party, I would hope that we can all agree that Republican special interests should not play a role in determining the outcome of Democratic primaries. The time to act is now.”