In a state where independent voters make up a plurality of the electorate, Colorado Democratic senator Michael Bennet has focused his reelection campaign on appealing to centrist voters. In private, however, he’s reminding left-wing donors at a drag queen-themed fundraiser that he has a “more progressive” record than socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (D., Vt.).

“When I say I’m a progressive track record, I mean it, I’m more progressive than Bernie Sanders,” Bennet said at an Oct. 9 fundraiser featuring Jewish drag queen Laura Menorah. “In terms of our, you know, our tax code because of the profound income inequality in our country.”

Other hosts at the fundraiser included executives from various left-wing advocacy groups based in Colorado and Colorado political operative Rick Palacio, who is under investigation for corruption.