Bernie Sanders Joins Democratic Leadership, Continues to Identify as Independent

Forever the rebel, Bernie Sanders has been named to Democratic leadership in the Senate, even though he isn’t technically a Democrat. Chuck Schumer, the new head of Democratic leadership in the Senate, added the former Democratic presidential candidate to the leadership team as the outreach director.

According to Politico, an aide to Sanders confirmed that, in spite of this appointment, Sanders will remain an independent who caucuses with Democrats. Sanders’ decision to run for president as a Democrat despite his years in Congress as an independent sparked ire among Hillary Clinton supporters during their intense primary battle.

Sanders confirmed at the Democratic National Convention in July that he would remain an Independent in the Senate for the final two years of his term. Sanders was also named the ranking Democrat on the budget committee.