Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is reportedly jumping into the 2016 race

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) is set to announce his campaign for president, Vermont Public Radio reported Tuesday.

According to VPR's sources, Sanders will launch his campaign on Thursday with "a short statement on that day and then hold a major campaign kickoff in Vermont in several weeks."

A CBS News producer wrote on Twitter that his outlet confirmed VPR's report. Sanders' office did not immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider.

If Sanders enters the race, he would start out as a steep underdog against the Democratic front-runner, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. However, the self-described socialist would be likely seek to make an impact by challenging Clinton from the left.

Last updated 4:40 p.m.