Childhood and Education Journey of Bernie Sanders in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Bernie Sanders. A timeline of key moments.

Bernie Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for Vermont since 2007. As the longest-serving independent in Congress, he closely aligns with the Democratic Party, having caucused with them throughout his career and twice campaigned for their presidential nomination. Sanders is a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement, advocating for policies such as universal healthcare, free college tuition, and a higher minimum wage. He is known for his populist rhetoric and criticism of economic inequality.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1948: Vito Marcantonio wins last term

In 1948, Vito Marcantonio from the American Labor Party, won his last term. Sanders was the first socialist elected to the House since Vito Marcantonio.

1952: Frazier Reams wins second term

In 1952, Frazier Reams of Ohio won his second term. Sanders was the first independent elected to the US House of Representatives since this.

1956: Introduction to political activism

In 1956, Bernie Sanders was first introduced to political activism when his brother Larry joined the Young Democrats of America and campaigned for Adlai Stevenson II.

1963: Volunteered on an Israeli kibbutz

In 1963, Bernie Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing, volunteered for several months on the Israeli kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim.

1963: Volunteering at Kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim

In 1963, Bernie Sanders and his first wife volunteered at Sha'ar HaAmakim, a kibbutz in northern Israel, in cooperation with the Labor Zionist youth movement Hashomer Hatzair. His motivation was both socialistic and Zionistic.

1964: Married Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1964, Bernie Sanders married Deborah Shiling Messing.

1966: Divorced Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1966, Bernie Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing divorced.

1969: Birth of son Levi Sanders

In 1969, Bernie Sanders' son, Levi Sanders, was born to then-girlfriend Susan Campbell Mott.

1971: Joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party

In 1971, Bernie Sanders joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party and was a candidate for several offices.

1971: Birth of stepdaughter Heather Titus

Sanders considers Heather Titus (born 1971) to be his own.

1974: Birth of stepdaughter Carina Driscoll

Sanders considers Carina Driscoll (born 1974) to be his own.

1975: Birth of stepson Dave Driscoll

Sanders considers Dave Driscoll (born 1975) to be his own.

1977: Quit the Liberty Union Party

In 1977, Bernie Sanders quit the Liberty Union Party to become an independent.

1980: Served as an elector for the Socialist Workers Party

In 1980, Bernie Sanders served as an elector for the Socialist Workers Party.

1983: Gave a speech at the Socialist Party USA conference

In 1983, Bernie Sanders attended the conference of the Socialist Party USA where he gave a speech.

May 28, 1988: Married Jane O'Meara Driscoll

On May 28, 1988, Bernie Sanders married Jane O'Meara Driscoll in Burlington, Vermont.

1995: Congress under Republican control

Since 1995, Congress was entirely under Republican control. In 2005, Rolling Stone called Bernie Sanders the "amendment king" for his ability to get more roll call amendments passed than any other congressman during the period since then.

October 2000: Extension of permanent normal trade relations with China

In October 2000, China had been extended the permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status. In February 2005, Bernie Sanders introduced a bill that would have withdrawn it.

2009: Supported legalizing same-sex marriage in Vermont

In 2009, Bernie Sanders supported legalizing same-sex marriage in Vermont, reflecting his long-standing advocacy for LGBT rights.

2013: Larry Sanders retired from Oxfordshire County Council

In 2013, Bernie Sanders's elder brother, Larry, retired from the Oxfordshire County Council, where he represented the East Oxford division as a Green Party county councillor.

November 15, 2015: Sanders responds to ISIL attacks in Paris

On November 15, 2015, in response to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)'s attacks in Paris, Bernie Sanders cautioned against Islamophobia and said, "We gotta be tough, not stupid" in the war against ISIL, adding that the US should continue to welcome Syrian refugees.

November 2015: Sanders speaks about democratic socialism at Georgetown University

In November 2015, Bernie Sanders gave a speech at Georgetown University about his view of democratic socialism. He discussed its place in the policies of presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson. Sanders defined democratic socialism as the middle class and working families deserving a decent standard of living, while supporting private companies that thrive and invest in America.

2015: Larry Sanders ran in the British general election

In 2015, Larry Sanders ran as a Green Party candidate for Oxford West and Abingdon in the British general election and came in fifth.

2016: Sanders Discusses His Upbringing as an American Jew

In 2016, Bernie Sanders described his upbringing as an American Jew, noting his father's limited synagogue attendance, his mother's dissatisfaction with his Hebrew school, and their Passover seders with neighbors.

May 30, 2017: Honorary Degree from Brooklyn College

On May 30, 2017, Bernie Sanders received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Brooklyn College.

October 2017: Planned to run for reelection as an independent

In October 2017, Bernie Sanders said he would run for reelection as an independent in 2018 despite pressure to run as a Democrat.

March 2019: Signed a "loyalty pledge" to the Democratic Party

In March 2019, Bernie Sanders signed a formal "loyalty pledge" to the Democratic Party stating that he was a member of the party and would serve as a Democrat if elected president.

December 2019: Physicians Declare Sanders Healthy

In December 2019, three months after his heart attack, Bernie Sanders released letters from three physicians, including the Attending Physician of Congress, stating that he was healthy and had recovered from his heart condition.

2022: Malloy ran against Peter Welch

In 2022, Gerald Malloy, who ran against Senator Peter Welch, became the Republican nominee. In May 6, 2024, Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy for a fourth Senate term. Sanders faced Republican nominee Gerald Malloy.