Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has a message for his Democratic colleagues: if you think you can just tweak a few things once you take control of Congress, think again. On Saturday, Sanders took to X to argue that voters are hungry for serious change, and he brought polling data to make his case.

The Poll That Has Sanders Fired Up

Sanders cited a new AP-NORC poll showing that 80% of registered voters surveyed wanted either "complete and total upheaval" or "substantial change" in how the country is run. The breakdown is striking: 97% of Democrats, 90% of independents and 58% of Republicans said they wanted major change.

"If the Democratic Party thinks that they can just tinker around the edges once they take control of Congress, guess again," Sanders wrote.

He didn't stop there. Sanders called on Democrats to reject what he described as "failed establishment status quo policies" and instead embrace a slate of progressive proposals. The list is long and ambitious: Medicare for All, an annual 5% wealth tax on billionaires, a minimum wage of at least $20 an hour and expanded Social Security.

But wait, there's more. His agenda also includes free tuition at public colleges and medical and nursing schools, universal child care, the construction of 7 million affordable homes and apartments, and a moratorium on AI data centers. He also called for an end to "never-ending wars" and U.S. support for the Israeli government.

"The American people have had enough. They want a government that delivers for working families, not just the 1%. The Democrats must deliver," he added.

Democrats Gear Up For Election Protection

Sanders' push comes as Democrats are also preparing for potential election interference. In October, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Democrats had trained more than 100 Senate staff members to monitor nine states for potential election interference ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Earlier this month, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also urged election preparedness after the Trump administration declined to invite OSCE observers, encouraging Americans to join Indivisible's election-protection program.

Polls Show Democrats With An Edge

Recent polling suggests Democrats may have momentum. A September Reuters/Ipsos poll found that Trump's approval rating remained at 32%, while Hispanic voters favored Democrats over Republicans 52% to 26%.

An August poll showed Democrats leading Republicans in economic trust, 37% to 36%, and congressional voting preferences, 42% to 37%.

Last month, Trump predicted a "BIG" Republican victory in the 2026 midterms and pledged to campaign for GOP candidates.