Bernie Sanders makes stop in Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- More than 5,000 people packed Hofheinz Pavilion Sunday night to see a Vermont senator who is packing audiences in venues everywhere he goes. He is 73 years old, but Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders can fill an arena.

"Thank you so much for coming here," said Sanders to the Houston crowd.

Most of the people cheering him on are less than half his age.

"I am from Vermont and I learned about Bernie in middle school and it's been ten years I've wanted this to happen," said supporter Monica Parshlm.

The Bernie for President Tour was in Texas Sunday.

"America has more wealth and income inequality that any other major country on earth," said Sanders.

The Vermont senator is considered the most liberal contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, denouncing corporate influence on government, speaking out for the middle class,

In Phoenix, he was interrupted by protesters from Black Lives Matter but in Houston the crowd was enthusiastic.

He's getting the biggest crowds of any Democratic contender but it's a long road to the primaries.

"Supporters would vote for Hillary Clinton if she were the nominee but I'm going to be rooting for Bernie as long as I can," said supporter Emily Hall.

One poll shows that Clinton leads Sanders by more than 40 points but his supporters say they will not be deterred by that.