Bernie Sanders, 82, announces whether he will run again for the Senate in 2024

Sen. Bernie Sanders, 82, said Monday that he plans to run for reelection this fall. 

The Vermont independent announced his decision in a nearly nine-minute long video showcasing some of the work he's accomplished during his three-term tenure in the U.S. Senate. 

With retirement off the table, the progressive movement keeps its top voice in the upper chamber. 

'Let me thank the people of Vermont from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to serve in the United States Senate. It's been the honor of my life,' Sanders said in the post on X. 'Today I am announcing my intention to seek another term.' 

Sanders noted that he came to the decision because, 'These are very difficult times for our country and the world.'

'And in many ways, this 2024 election is the most consequential election in our lifetimes,' the Vermont independent continued. 

Sanders competed in the Democratic presidential primaries during the 2016 and 2020 elections - coming in second place both times. 

But challenging President Joe Biden in 2024 wasn't on the table - as the two have had a solid working relationship since Biden was sworn-in in 2021. 

They most recently appeared together at an Earth Day event in Virginia alongside fellow progressive lawmakers, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Ed Markey. 

In his message to voters Monday, Sanders warned of the danger the reelection of former President Donald Trump could pose, but didn't utter Trump's name. 

'Will the United States continue to even function as a democracy?' Sanders mused. 'Or will we move to an authoritarian form of government.' 

He then turned to the same themes he used during his two presidential campaigns. 

'Will we reverse the unprecedented level of income and wealth inquality that now exists? Or will be continue to see billionaires get richer while working families struggle to put food on the table?' he said.

'Can we create a government that works for all of us? Or will our political system continue to be dominated by wealthy campaign contributors?' Sanders asked.

'These are just some of the questions that together we need to answer. And that I look foward to discussing with you on the campaign trail,' the Vermont senator added. 

Sanders will be 89 if he finishes a fourth term. 

His decision won't change the Senate math. 

Sanders caucuses with the Democrats - and if he retired, a Democrat would likely snag the seat because Vermont is so blue.