After a disappointing defeat on Tuesday, Sanders’ campaign laid off hundreds of field staffers on Wednesday. While this isn’t the first time the campaign has trimmed its staff numbers, it is by far the largest cut to his team. The move comes a time when many are speculating that Sanders’ focus has shifted to shaping the Democratic platform, although the senator will stay in the race until the convention.
Sanders is trailing Clinton by over 300 delegates.
Staff members who were working in states that voted on Tuesday were let go, according to those who are close to the campaign. Sanders will now spend more time in California, a state that will vote in June.
This isn’t the first time the campaign has laid off staffers. Sanders’ campaign let go of some staff after his loss on Super Tuesday. Since then, his staff numbers have dwindled down to between 325 and 350.
“We’re 80% of the way through the caucuses and primaries and we make adjustments as we go along,” said Michael Briggs, communications director of Sanders’ campaign.
When speaking to a crowd in Indiana, Sanders insisted that he will take the race to the convention, but he will be focusing on influencing the Democratic platform if Clinton becomes the nominee.
