Ellington

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is going to run for president as a Democrat.

The independent who describes himself as a "democratic socialist" will announce Thursday that he plans to seek the Democratic Party's nomination in 2016.

That's according to two people familiar with Sanders' plans. They aren't authorized to discuss the decision by name and spoke to The Associated Press under condition of anonymity.

Sanders will become the second major Democrat in the race, joining former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

In the run-up to his announcement, Sanders has urged Clinton to speak out strongly about issues related to income inequality and climate change.

Clinton is viewed as a heavy favorite in the Democratic primary.

Sanders plans were first reported by Vermont Public Radio.