"I have been, and will be if reelected, in a strong position to provide the kind of help Vermonters need in these difficult times," Sanders said in a video announcing his intent to seek his seat again.

Sanders caucuses with the Democrats and serves on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's leadership team, but will run as an independent yet again. That means he's likely to win the Democratic nomination in his state but turn it down, as he has done in previous cycles, according to a person familiar with his plans. He's expected to win his seat again by an overwhelming margin.