Vermont Rep. Peter Welch to seek Leahy's Senate seat

What they're saying: "It shouldn't be hard for your government to help people," Welch said in a video announcing his candidacy.

• "And yet everything, everything — voting rights, Medicare for all, Green New Deal, lowering prescription drug costs, reproductive justice, racial and economic justice — everything gets filibustered by the Mitch McConnell Republicans in the Senate. They're fighting for failure," he added.

The big picture: Leahy's fellow Vermont senator, Bernie Sanders (I), endorsed Welch shortly after his announcement.

• "[Welch] understands that now is the time to think big, not small," Sanders said in a tweet. "Peter has the knowledge and experience to fight for a government that works for all, not just the wealthy few."
• Vermont is the only state that has never elected a woman to Congress, which will likely be considered during the race for Welch's open House seat.

Go deeper: Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy announces retirement