Profile
Bernie Sanders: The Independent Who Shook Up American Politics
Vermont senator and two-time presidential candidate
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family, Bernie Sanders studied at the University of Chicago, where he joined civil rights protests. He moved to Vermont and, after several unsuccessful runs for office, was elected mayor of Burlington in 1981 by just ten votes.
He entered the House of Representatives in 1991 and the Senate in 2007, always as an independent who votes with the Democrats. He became known for his consistent message about inequality and the power of big business.
His 2016 run for the Democratic nomination, funded mostly by small donations, won more than 20 states. He ran again in 2020 before backing Joe Biden. His 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour in 2025 drew some of the largest crowds of his career.
Career highlights
- 1981Mayor of Burlington: wins by ten votes
- 1991House of Representatives: enters Congress
- 2007US Senate: elected senator for Vermont
- 2016Presidential campaign: wins more than 20 states
- 2020Second campaign: endorses Joe Biden
- 2025Fighting Oligarchy tour: nationwide rallies
Did you know?A photo of him wearing knitted mittens at the 2021 presidential inauguration became one of the internet's most popular memes.
