The movement that led to at least 18 progressive victories in congressional races and 42 left-wing winners down-ballot “started with a man with 1% vote and three people at his announcement” of his presidential bid in 2015, said one organizer Tuesday night as Democrats won control of the US Senate and House, a majority of governorships, and made major gains in state legislatures.

“Bernie made the path” for progressive politicians to win crucial elections, said a labor organizer based in San Francisco, referring to Sen. Bernie Sanders(I-Vt.). “This wave has been a long time coming.”