History of Bernie Sanders in Timeline

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Bernie Sanders

Bernard "Bernie" Sanders is a prominent American politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Vermont. As the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history, he has maintained a close relationship with the Democratic Party, caucusing with them in both the House and Senate. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in both 2016 and 2020. Sanders is widely considered a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement, advocating for policies such as Medicare for All, free college tuition, and a higher minimum wage.

1904: Birth of Elias Ben Yehuda Sanders

In 1904, Elias Ben Yehuda Sanders, Bernie Sanders' father, was born in Słopnice, Poland.

1912: Birth of Dorothy Sanders

In 1912, Dorothy Sanders, Bernie Sanders' mother, was born in New York City.

1921: Elias Sanders immigrates to the U.S.

In 1921, Elias Sanders immigrated to the United States and became a paint salesman.

September 8, 1941: Bernard Sanders is born

On September 8, 1941, Bernard Sanders was born. He is an American politician and activist, and currently serves as the senior United States senator from Vermont.

1948: Vito Marcantonio's last term

In 1948, Vito Marcantonio from the American Labor Party won his last term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

1952: Frazier Reams' second term

In 1952, Frazier Reams of Ohio won his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

1954: Celebrated Bar Mitzvah

In 1954, Sanders celebrated his Bar Mitzvah.

1956: Brother's Political Activism

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

1959: Studied at Brooklyn College

From 1959, Sanders studied at Brooklyn College.

1960: Death of Dorothy Sanders

In 1960, Dorothy Sanders, Bernie Sanders' mother, died.

1960: Studied at Brooklyn College

Until 1960, Sanders studied at Brooklyn College.

January 1962: Protested segregated housing at University of Chicago

In January 1962, Sanders protested the University of Chicago's segregated campus housing policy, leading a sit-in at the administration building.

1962: Death of Elias Ben Yehuda Sanders

In 1962, Elias Ben Yehuda Sanders, Bernie Sanders' father, died.

1962: Death of his father

In 1962, Sanders' father died at age 57.

1963: Volunteered on Israeli Kibbutz

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

1963: Attended March on Washington and arrested during demonstration

In 1963, Sanders attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave the "I Have a Dream" speech. That summer, Sanders was also fined $25 for resisting arrest during a demonstration in Englewood against segregation in Chicago's public schools.

1963: Volunteered at Kibbutz in Israel

In 1963, Sanders volunteered at Sha'ar HaAmakim, a kibbutz in northern Israel, in cooperation with the Labor Zionist youth movement Hashomer Hatzair.

1963: Ended racial segregation in University of Chicago

In the summer of 1963, after further protests, the University of Chicago ended racial segregation in private university housing.

1964: Graduated from the University of Chicago

In 1964, Sanders graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

1964: Married Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1964, Sanders married Deborah Shiling Messing.

1966: Divorced Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1966, Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing divorced.

1968: Moved to Stannard, Vermont

In 1968, Sanders moved to Stannard, Vermont.

1968: Settled in Vermont

In 1968, Sanders settled in Vermont.

1969: Resided in Montpelier

From 1969, Sanders resided in Montpelier.

1969: Son Levi Born

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

1970: Stannard population

In 1970, the town of Stannard, Vermont, where Sanders lived, had a population of 88 residents.

1971: Heather Titus (née Driscoll) was Born

Heather Titus (née Driscoll) was born in 1971, daughter of Jane O'Meara Driscoll.

1971: Joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party

In 1971, Sanders joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party and ran for several offices, without success.

1971: Resided in Montpelier

Until 1971, Sanders resided in Montpelier.

1972: Ran for Governor and U.S. Senator

In 1972, Sanders ran as the Liberty Union candidate for governor of Vermont and as a candidate in the special election for U.S. senator.

1973: Reference to 1973 War Powers Resolution

In 1973, the War Powers Resolution was invoked regarding U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen.

1974: Carina Driscoll was Born

Carina Driscoll was born in 1974, daughter of Jane O'Meara Driscoll.

1974: Ran for U.S. Senator

In 1974, Sanders ran in the general election for U.S. senator.

1975: Dave Driscoll was Born

Dave Driscoll was born in 1975, son of Jane O'Meara Driscoll.

1976: Proposal for Workplace Democracy

As early as 1976, Sanders proposed workplace democracy, stating his belief that major industries should be publicly owned and controlled by the workers themselves.

1976: Ran for Governor

In 1976, Sanders ran as the Liberty Union candidate for governor of Vermont.

1976: Gubernatorial Election Results Influenced Mayoral Run

Richard Sugarman showed Sanders a ward-by-ward breakdown of the 1976 Vermont gubernatorial election that showed him receiving 12% of the vote in Burlington, influencing his decision to run for mayor.

1976: Peak of Liberty Union Influence

The 1976 campaign was the zenith of the Liberty Union's influence, with Sanders collecting 11,317 votes for governor.

October 1977: Retired from the Liberty Union Party

In October 1977, Sanders and Nancy Kaufman announced their retirement from the Liberty Union Party.

1977: Worked as a writer and director of APHS

After resigning from the Liberty Union Party in 1977, Sanders worked as a writer and as the director of the nonprofit American People's Historical Society (APHS).

1977: Quit Liberty Union Party

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

November 8, 1980: Announced Candidacy for Mayor

On November 8, 1980, Sanders announced his candidacy for mayor of Burlington.

1980: Elector for Socialist Workers Party

During the 1980 presidential election, Sanders was one of three electors for the Socialist Workers Party in Vermont.

1981: Campaign against waterfront development

In 1981, Bernie Sanders campaigned against Burlington developer Tony Pomerleau's plans to convert the industrial waterfront into expensive condominiums, hotels, and offices. Running under the slogan "Burlington is not for sale," he successfully supported a plan to redevelop the area into a mixed-use district with housing, parks, and public spaces in 1981.

1981: Elected Mayor of Burlington

In 1981, Sanders ran as an independent for mayor of Burlington, Vermont, and defeated the Democratic incumbent.

December 3, 1982: Announced reelection bid

On December 3, 1982, Sanders announced that he would seek reelection as mayor of Burlington.

January 22, 1983: Endorsed by the Citizens Party

On January 22, 1983, the Citizens Party voted unanimously to endorse Sanders for reelection as mayor of Burlington.

1983: Sanders Gave Speech at Socialist Party USA Conference

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

December 5, 1984: Announced Bid for Third Term as Mayor

On December 5, 1984, Sanders announced that he would run for a third term as mayor of Burlington.

1984: Endorsed Walter Mondale

In 1984, Sanders endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale.

1985: Hosting Noam Chomsky

In 1985, Burlington City Hall hosted a foreign policy speech by Noam Chomsky, introduced by Sanders, who praised him as "a very vocal and important voice in the wilderness of intellectual life in America."

December 1, 1986: Announced Bid for Fourth Term as Mayor

On December 1, 1986, Sanders announced that he would seek reelection to a fourth term as mayor of Burlington.

1986: Public-access television program

In 1986, Sanders hosted and produced a public-access television program, Bernie Speaks with the Community.

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December 1987: Recorded folk album

In December 1987, while serving as mayor of Burlington, Bernie Sanders recorded a folk album titled "We Shall Overcome" in collaboration with 30 Vermont musicians, performing his vocals in a talking blues style.

1987: Decision to not seek another mayoral term

After the 1987 election, Sanders announced he would not seek another mayoral term: "eight years is enough and I think it is time for new leadership, which does exist within the coalition, to come up".

1987: Recording of folk album "We Shall Overcome"

In 1987, Sanders collaborated with 30 Vermont musicians to record a folk album, We Shall Overcome.

1987: Definition of Democracy

In 1987, Sanders defined democracy as public ownership and workers' self-management in the workplace, advocating for democratic control over factories and shops.

May 28, 1988: Sanders Married Jane O'Meara Driscoll

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

1988: Cameo role in Sweet Hearts Dance

In 1988, Bernie Sanders had a cameo role in the film "Sweet Hearts Dance", portraying a man handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.

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1988: End of public-access television program

In 1988, Sanders ended his public-access television program, Bernie Speaks with the Community, which he had been hosting since 1986.

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1988: Endorsed Jesse Jackson

In 1988, Sanders endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson enthusiastically.

1988: First ran for the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1988, Sanders first ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, adopting a strategy of winning the Democratic Party primary and then running as an independent in the general election.

1988: House election

In 1988, Sanders ran for the U.S. House seat representing Vermont's at-large congressional district as an independent, placing second with 38% of the vote.

1988: Trip to the Soviet Union

In 1988, Sanders visited the Soviet Union and interviewed the mayor of Burlington's sister city, Yaroslavl, about housing and health care issues.

1989: Bouricius on Sanders' impact

In 1989, upon Sanders leaving office, Bouricius, a member of the Burlington city council, stated that Sanders had "changed the entire nature of politics in Burlington and also in the state of Vermont".

1990: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 1990, Sanders was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Vermont's at-large congressional district.

1990: NRA Opposition to Peter Smith

In 1990, Sanders's bid to become a U.S. Representative benefitted from the National Rifle Association of America opposing the competing campaign of Peter Smith.

1991: Co-founded Congressional Progressive Caucus

In 1991, Sanders and five other House members co-founded the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

1991: Election to the U.S. House of Representatives

In 1991, Sanders became the first independent elected to the U.S. House of Representatives since 1952, defeating Peter P. Smith by a margin of 56% to 39%.

1991: Lectured at Hamilton College

In 1991, Sanders lectured in political science at Hamilton College.

1991: Voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq

In 1991, Sanders voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

February 7, 1992: Sponsored the Cancer Registries Amendment Act

On February 7, 1992, Sanders sponsored the Cancer Registries Amendment Act to establish cancer registries to collect data on cancer, due to high breast cancer rates in Vermont.

October 2, 1992: Introduction of Senate companion bill

On October 2, 1992, Senator Patrick Leahy introduced a companion bill in the Senate for Sanders' Cancer Registries Amendment Act.

October 24, 1992: Cancer Registries Amendment Act signed into law

On October 24, 1992, President George H. W. Bush signed the Cancer Registries Amendment Act into law, after it was passed by the House on October 6.

1993: Voted against the Brady Bill

In 1993, Sanders voted against the Brady Bill, which mandated federal background checks for gun purchases and imposed a waiting period. He explained his Vermont constituents saw waiting-period mandates as more appropriately a state than federal matter.

1993: Vote Against Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

In 1993, while a U.S. representative, Sanders voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established background checks and wait periods.

1994: Won reelection by 3%

During the 1994 Republican Revolution, Sanders won reelection to the House by 3%, with 50% of the vote.

1994: Vote for Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

In 1994, Sanders voted for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act due to the inclusion of the Violence Against Women Act and the ban on certain assault weapons, though he criticized other parts of the bill.

1995: Start of Republican control in Congress

Since 1995, Congress was entirely under Republican control.

1996: Voted against bill on police purchasing

In 1996, Sanders voted against a bill that would have prohibited police from purchasing tanks and armored carriers.

1996: Vote Against CDC Gun Research Funding

In 1996, Sanders voted against additional funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for research on issues related to firearms.

1998: Voted for bill on minimum sentencing

In 1998, Sanders voted for a bill that would have increased minimum sentencing for possessing a gun while committing a federal crime to ten years in prison, including nonviolent crimes such as marijuana possession.

1999: Acted in My X-Girlfriend's Wedding Reception

In 1999, Bernie Sanders acted in the film "My X-Girlfriend's Wedding Reception", playing Rabbi Manny Shevitz, who mourned the Brooklyn Dodgers' move to Los Angeles.

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1999: Advocated against rolling back the Glass–Steagall legislation

In 1999, Sanders voted and advocated against rolling back the Glass–Steagall legislation provisions that kept investment banks and commercial banks separate entities.

October 2000: Extension of permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status to China

In October 2000, permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status was extended to China.

2001: Voted for the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists

In 2001, Sanders voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists.

2002: Voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq

In 2002, Sanders voted against the resolutions authorizing the use of force against Iraq.

June 2003: Criticism of Alan Greenspan

In June 2003, Sanders criticized Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan, stating he was concerned that Greenspan was "way out of touch" and primarily representing the wealthy and large corporations.

2003: Opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Sanders opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

February 2005: Introduced bill to withdraw PNTR status from China

In February 2005, Sanders introduced a bill that would have withdrawn the permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status that had been extended to China in October 2000. The bill did not pass.

April 21, 2005: Entered race for U.S. Senate

On April 21, 2005, Sanders entered the race for the U.S. Senate after Jim Jeffords announced he would not seek reelection.

May 2005: Howard Dean's endorsement

In May 2005, Democratic National Committee chair and former Vermont governor Howard Dean endorsed Sanders, considering him an ally who "votes with the Democrats 98% of the time."

June 2005: Proposed amendment to limit Patriot Act provisions

In June 2005, Sanders proposed an amendment to limit Patriot Act provisions that allowed the government to obtain individuals' library and book-buying records. The amendment passed the House by a bipartisan majority but was later removed.

2005: Vote For Gun Manufacturer Immunity

In 2005, Bernie Sanders voted for legislation that gave gun manufacturers legal immunity against claims of negligence.

2005: Called the "amendment king" by Rolling Stone

In 2005, Rolling Stone called Sanders the "amendment king" for passing more roll call amendments than any other congressman since 1995, a period when Congress was entirely under Republican control.

2005: Voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

In 2005, Sanders voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which aimed to prevent firearms manufacturers and dealers from being held liable for negligence when crimes are committed with their products.

March 2006: Barack Obama campaigned for Sanders

In March 2006, then-Senator Barack Obama campaigned for Sanders in Vermont.

2006: Declined Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate

In 2006, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, which later caused an unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

2006: First ran for the U.S. Senate

In 2006, Sanders first ran for the U.S. Senate adopting a strategy of winning the Democratic Party primary and then running as an independent in the general election.

2006: Elected to U.S. Senate

In 2006, Sanders was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the first non-Republican elected to Vermont's Class 1 seat since 1850.

2007: Immigration Reform Bill Opposition

In 2007, Bernie Sanders helped kill a bill introducing comprehensive immigration reform, arguing that its guest-worker program would depress wages for American workers.

2007: Caucus with Democrats in the Senate

In 2007, Bernie Sanders' caucusing with the Democrats gave them a 51–49 majority in the Senate during the 110th Congress.

2007: Became a senator

In 2007, Sanders became a senator.

2008: Clinton supporters voted for John McCain

A 2017 analysis in Newsweek found that 12% of those who voted for Sanders in the Democratic primary voted for Trump in the general election, a lower proportion than that of Clinton supporters in 2008 who voted for John McCain.

2008: Voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)

In 2008, Sanders voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), which aimed to purchase toxic banking assets and provide loans to banks in free-fall.

February 4, 2009: Sponsored amendment to prevent TARP funds from displacing U.S. workers

On February 4, 2009, Sanders sponsored an amendment to ensure that TARP funds would not displace U.S. workers; the amendment passed and was added to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

December 2009: Affordable Care Act Provision

In mid-December 2009, Bernie Sanders successfully added a provision to the Affordable Care Act to fund $11 billion to community health centers, especially those in rural areas.

2009: Sanders 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.

December 10, 2010: Filibuster against the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010

On December 10, 2010, Sanders delivered an 8-hour and 34-minute speech against the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, arguing it would favor the wealthiest Americans.

2010: Support for DREAM Act

In 2010, Bernie Sanders supported the DREAM Act, which would have provided a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who had been brought to the United States as minors.

February 2011: Publication of "The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class"

In February 2011, Nation Books published Sanders' speech as "The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class," with authorial proceeds going to Vermont nonprofit charitable organizations.

The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class
The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class

August 2011: High Approval Rating in Polling

In August 2011, a poll found that Bernie Sanders's approval rating was 67%, making him the third-most popular U.S. senator.

2011: Potential Primary Challenge

In 2011, Bernie Sanders suggested it was "a good idea" for someone to challenge Obama and "got so close to running a primary challenge."

2012: Consideration of Primary Challenge to Obama

During the 2012 Democratic presidential primaries, Bernie Sanders considered running against President Obama in the primaries.

2012: Declined Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate

In 2012, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, which later caused an unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

2012: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2012, Sanders was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

2012: Reelected in 2012

Sanders was reelected in 2012 with 71% of the vote.

November 2013: Warren Presidential Run Suggestion

In November 2013, Bernie Sanders suggested that Senator Elizabeth Warren could be president and that she might earn his backing if she ran.

2013: Burlington as one of the most livable cities in the United States

As of 2013, Burlington was regarded as one of the most livable cities in the United States.

2013: Chaired the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee

From 2013, Sanders chaired the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.

2013: Support for Gang of Eight's Immigration Bill

In 2013, Bernie Sanders supported the Gang of Eight's comprehensive immigration reform bill after securing a $1.5 billion youth jobs program provision.

2013: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairmanship

In 2013, Bernie Sanders was chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs during the Veterans Health Administration scandal.

2013: Larry Sanders Retired from Oxfordshire County Council

In 2013, Sanders's elder brother, Larry, retired from the Oxfordshire County Council.

2013: Older Americans Act Legislation

In 2013, as chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging, Bernie Sanders introduced legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Older Americans Act.

June 9, 2014: Veterans' Access to Care Act Sponsorship

On June 9, 2014, Bernie Sanders sponsored the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014.

July 31, 2014: Veterans' Access to Care Act Passes

On July 31, 2014, the House version of the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act, which incorporated Bernie Sanders' bill, passed both chambers.

August 7, 2014: Veterans' Access to Care Act Signed into Law

On August 7, 2014, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act was signed into law by President Obama.

December 2014: Warren Declines Presidential Run

In December 2014, Senator Elizabeth Warren said she was not running for president.

2014: Criticism of Israel's Actions During Gaza War

In 2014, Bernie Sanders criticized Israel's actions during the Gaza war and U.S. involvement in the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.

2014: Ranking in The Forward 50

In 2014, Bernie Sanders ranked third in The Forward 50.

April 30, 2015: Announcement of Presidential Candidacy

On April 30, 2015, Bernie Sanders announced his intention to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

May 2015: DNC announces debate schedule, criticized for favoring Clinton

In May 2015, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced a schedule of six debates. This schedule was criticized for the small number of debates and the timing, which critics alleged was designed to protect Hillary Clinton.

June 2015: Campaign Event Crowds

In June 2015, Bernie Sanders's campaign events drew overflow crowds across the country.

July 1, 2015: Campaign Stop in Madison, Wisconsin

On July 1, 2015, Bernie Sanders's campaign stop in Madison, Wisconsin, drew the largest crowd of any 2016 presidential candidate to that date, with an estimated turnout of 10,000.

July 29, 2015: Online Meetup

On July 29, 2015, an online meetup organized for Bernie Sanders brought 100,000 supporters to more than 3,500 simultaneous events nationwide.

September 2015: The New York Times coverage of Sanders campaign reviewed

In September 2015, The New York Times' ombudsman reviewed the paper's coverage of the Sanders campaign, finding it had not always been taken seriously, with some stories being dismissive. The review also found that coverage of Sanders's campaign was much scanter than coverage of Trump's.

October 2015: Remarks on religion on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In October 2015, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bernie Sanders discussed his religious views, describing himself as culturally Jewish but not particularly religious. He affirmed a belief in God while emphasizing a non-traditional, interconnected view of life.

November 15, 2015: Response 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, Sanders cautioned against Islamophobia and said, "We gotta be tough, not stupid" in the war against ISIL, advocating for continued acceptance of Syrian refugees.

November 2015: Democratic Socialism Speech at Georgetown University

In November 2015, Sanders gave a speech at Georgetown University about his view of democratic socialism and its place in the policies of presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson.

November 2015: Most Popular U.S. Senator

In November 2015, a poll indicated Bernie Sanders reached an 83% approval rating among his constituents, making him the most popular U.S. senator.

December 4, 2015: Won Time's 2015 Person of the Year Readers' Poll

On December 4, 2015, Sanders won Time's 2015 Person of the Year readers' poll with 10.2% of the vote but did not receive the editorial board's award.

December 2015: Report finds major networks favored Trump over Sanders

A December 2015 report found that major networks CBS, NBC, and ABC spent 234 minutes reporting on Trump, compared to 10 minutes on Sanders, despite similar polling results, indicating a significant disparity in media coverage.

2015: Sanders received more media coverage than his polling standing

A study concluded that in 2015, Sanders received media coverage that far exceeded his standing in the polls, indicating a period of increased media attention relative to his actual polling numbers.

2015: Attended a Tashlikh ceremony

In 2015, Bernie Sanders attended a Tashlikh atonement ceremony with the mayor of Lynchburg on Rosh Hashanah.

2015: Ranking Minority Member on Senate Budget Committee

In 2015, Bernie Sanders became the ranking minority member on the Senate Budget Committee.

2015: End of term as chair of Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee

In 2015, Sanders' term as the chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee ended.

2015: Larry Sanders Ran for Oxford West and Abingdon

In 2015, Sanders's elder brother, Larry, ran as a Green Party candidate for Oxford West and Abingdon.

January 2016: Campaign Fundraising Success

By the end of January 2016, Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign reached 3.25 million donations, raising $20 million in that month alone.

February 6, 2016: Guest appearance on Saturday Night Live

On February 6, 2016, Bernie Sanders made a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live alongside Larry David, playing a Polish immigrant on a sinking steamship near the Statue of Liberty.

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February 2016: Clinton and Sanders campaigns agree to additional debates

In February 2016, both the Clinton and Sanders campaigns agreed in principle to holding four more debates, bringing the total to ten. Clinton later withdrew from the tenth debate.

March 2016: Sanders' speech not broadcast on Super Tuesday III

On March 15, 2016, Amy Goodman noted that while speeches of Trump, Clinton, Rubio, and Cruz were broadcast in full, Sanders' speech in Phoenix, Arizona, was not mentioned, despite the rally being larger than the others.

March 17, 2016: Support for Merrick Garland Nomination

On March 17, 2016, Bernie Sanders said he would support Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court.

March 20, 2016: Given Honorary Lushootseed Name

On March 20, 2016, Sanders was given an honorary Lushootseed name, dxʷshudičup, by Deborah Parker in Seattle to honor his focus on Native American issues during his presidential campaign.

April 2016: Speaking at Vatican conference

In April 2016, Bernie Sanders accepted an invitation to speak at a Vatican conference on economic and environmental issues and briefly met with Pope Francis during his visit.

April 2016: Formation of Brand New Congress

In April 2016, a new political organization, Brand New Congress, was formed by former Sanders campaign staffers to elect congressional representatives aligned with Sanders's platform.

May 2016: Poll finds Sanders would defeat Trump by a larger margin than Clinton

An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll conducted in May 2016 found that if Sanders were the Democratic nominee, 53% of voters would support him to 39% for Trump, while Clinton and Trump were in a "dead heat".

July 12, 2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

On July 12, 2016, Bernie Sanders formally endorsed Hillary Clinton in her unsuccessful general election campaign against Republican Donald Trump.

July 2016: Slate article calls Democratic platform draft a "monument to his campaign"

In July 2016, a Slate article called the Democratic platform draft "a monument to his campaign", noting his call for a $15 minimum wage and other campaign issues, indicating Sanders's significant influence on the Democratic platform.

July 2016: DNC emails leak, showing officials favored Clinton over Sanders

In July 2016, a leak of the Democratic National Committee's emails revealed DNC officials favoring Clinton over Sanders, discussing his irreligious tendencies and questioning his party loyalty. Sanders responded, calling it an outrage.

July 2016: DNC Emails Leaked

In June and July 2016, Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails leaked to the public showed that the committee leadership had favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders and had worked to help Clinton win the nomination.

August 2016: Sanders forms Our Revolution

In August 2016, Sanders formed Our Revolution, a political organization dedicated to educating voters and electing progressive candidates.

November 2016: Release of "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In"

In November 2016, Sanders's book "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In" was released, becoming a New York Times Best Seller.

Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In
Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In

2016: Sanders' media coverage consistent with polling performance

A study of media coverage in the 2016 election concluded that the amount of coverage of Sanders during the election was largely consistent with his polling performance. It also concluded that the tone of media coverage of Sanders was more favorable than that of any other candidate.

2016: Sanders campaign carried over funds from 2016 presidential races

According to Federal Election Commission filings, the Sanders campaign had carried over money left over from his 2016 presidential races.

2016: Sanders endorses Clinton at Democratic National Convention

After the final primary election, Clinton became the presumptive Democratic nominee. On July 12, 2016, Sanders formally endorsed Clinton and spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 25, giving her his full support, although some of his supporters protested.

2016: Support for Repealing Gun Manufacturer Immunity

As of 2016, Sanders has said that he would support repealing the law that gave gun manufacturers legal immunity against claims of negligence.

2016: Changed position on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

As of 2016, Sanders stated that he has changed his position and would vote for legislation to defeat the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which he had previously supported in 2005.

2016: Hillary Clinton's Popular Vote Victory

During a debate after an interview in January 2020, Sanders noted that Hillary Clinton won the national popular vote by 3 million votes in 2016, rebutting claims that he doubted a woman's ability to win the presidency.

2016: Criticism of Russian Interference

During his September 2017 speech at Westminster College, Sanders spoke critically of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections and President Trump's handling of the crisis.

2016: Bernie Sanders' Dank Meme Stash received attention

During the 2016 Democratic primary season, the group Bernie Sanders' Dank Meme Stash gained significant attention for its unique concept of a meme community focused on a politician.

2016: Sanders Suggested Reforms for the Democratic Party

Following Trump's victory in the 2016 elections, Bernie Sanders suggested the Democratic Party undergo a series of reforms.

2016: Sanders campaign volunteer reported suspicious activities to PAC

In 2016 a Sanders campaign volunteer contacted a political action committee (PAC) that supported the Clinton campaign to report suspicious activities.

2016: Ranking in The Forward 50

In 2016, Bernie Sanders ranked first in The Forward 50.

2016: Disclosure of "strong religious and spiritual feelings"

In 2016, Bernie Sanders spoke about having very strong religious and spiritual feelings, explaining that his spirituality is rooted in the idea that everyone is interconnected and impacted by the suffering of others.

2016: Presidential Candidate

In 2016, Bernie Sanders was a presidential candidate.

2016: Sought Democratic presidential nomination

In 2016, Sanders sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination. Sanders has been viewed as the leader of the modern American progressive movement.

2016: Voted for the Federal Reserve Transparency Act

In 2016, Sanders voted for the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, which included proposals for a reformed audit of the Federal Reserve System.

2016: Major candidate for Democratic presidential nomination

In 2016, Sanders was a major candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, finishing in second place. His campaign generated significant grassroots enthusiasm and funding from small-dollar donors.

2016: Legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination

In 2016, there was an unsuccessful legal challenge to Sanders's candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination due to his previous declinations of the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in 2006 and 2012.

2016: Russia Interfered in the Election

In January 2018, Bernie Sanders voiced concern about Trump's failure to mention the finding that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election and "will likely interfere in the 2018 midterms.

2016: Interview with Joan Mahoney

In a 2016 interview, Joan Mahoney described Sanders as a swell guy, a nice Jewish boy from Brooklyn, but he wasn't terribly charismatic. One of his strengths, though, was his ability to work with a wide group of people, even those he didn't agree with.

2016: Described His Upbringing as an American Jew

In a 2016 speech, Sanders described his upbringing as an American Jew, highlighting his family's limited religious observances.

2016: Influenced leftward shift in the Democratic Party

Sanders is credited with influencing a leftward shift in the Democratic Party after his 2016 presidential campaign.

2016: Ran as a Democrat in Presidential Campaign

Starting with his 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders's announcements suggested that not only was he running as a Democrat, but that he would run as a Democrat in future elections.

2016: Used email list built during the 2016 campaign for the 2020 campaign

Using the large email list it built during the 2016 campaign, the 2020 campaign recruited more than one million volunteers within weeks of its launch.

February 2017: Sanders begins webcasting "The Bernie Sanders Show"

In February 2017, Sanders began webcasting "The Bernie Sanders Show" on live streaming, featuring guests like William Barber and Josh Fox.

March 2017: Highest Net Favorability

In March 2017, a poll found Bernie Sanders to have the highest net favorability at +28 points of any prominent politician included.

April 2, 2017: Guests on "The Bernie Sanders Show" on Facebook live streaming

On April 2, 2017, guests on "The Bernie Sanders Show" on live streaming included William Barber, Josh Fox, Jane Mayer, and Bill Nye.

April 2017: Minimum Wage Bill Introduction

In April 2017, Bernie Sanders introduced a bill that would raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers to $15 an hour.

April 2017: Highest Favorability Rating

In April 2017, a nationwide poll found that Bernie Sanders had the highest favorability rating among all the political figures included in the poll.

May 4, 2017: Sanders predicts deaths from Affordable Care Act repeal

On May 4, 2017, in response to the House vote to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Bernie Sanders predicted "thousands of Americans would die" from no longer having access to health care.

May 30, 2017: Received Honorary Degree from Brooklyn College

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

June 12, 2017: Voted against legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran

On June 12, 2017, Sanders, along with Rand Paul, voted against legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran, due to concerns the sanctions could endanger the Iran nuclear deal, while supporting sanctions on Russia.

September 2017: Medicare for All Bill

In September 2017, Bernie Sanders, along with 15 Senate co-sponsors, submitted the Medicare for All bill, a single-payer healthcare plan.

September 2017: Foreign Policy Plan at Westminster College

In September 2017, Sanders delivered a speech at Westminster College, outlining a foreign policy plan that emphasized international collaboration, adherence to agreements, and promoting human rights.

October 2017: Sanders Said He Would Run for Reelection as Independent

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

November 2017: Call to End Global Oligarchy

In November 2017, after the Paradise Papers revelations, Bernie Sanders stated that "we must end global oligarchy" and that "we need a tax system which is fair, progressive and transparent."

2017: Newsweek publishes analysis of Sanders voters who voted for Trump

In 2017 an analysis in Newsweek found that 12% of those who voted for Sanders in the Democratic primary voted for Trump in the general election, a lower proportion than that of Clinton supporters in 2008 who voted for John McCain.

2017: Sanders Criticized Trump and Promised to Defeat "Trumpism"

In 2017, Bernie Sanders criticized President Trump for appointing billionaires to his cabinet and rolling back Obama's Clean Power Plan. He also cautioned against escalating the Syrian Civil War and vowed to defeat "Trump and Trumpism".

2017: Drew Parallels Between His Campaign and Labour Party

In 2017, Sanders drew parallels between his campaign and that of the Labour Party in the UK general election, urging Democrats to adopt a more progressive platform.

2017: Criticized Republicans' use of reconciliation

In March 11, 2021, Sanders supported Senate Democrats' decision to use budget reconciliation, a procedure used to avoid filibusters, to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, despite having criticized Republicans' use of reconciliation to pass the 2017 tax cuts.

2017: Chair of Senate Democratic Outreach Committee

Since 2017, Bernie Sanders has been chair of the Senate Democratic Outreach Committee.

January 2018: Sanders Responds to Trump's State of the Union

In January 2018, Bernie Sanders gave an online reply to Trump's State of the Union address, calling Trump "compulsively dishonest" and criticizing his immigration policies and failure to address Russian interference in the 2016 election.

February 2018: Mueller investigation concludes Russians communicated false information

In February 2018, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation concluded that Russians had communicated false information during the 2016 primary campaigns to help Sanders and Stein and harm Clinton. Sanders rejected the conclusion.

April 2018: Opinion article suggests Democratic Party is admitting Sanders was right

In April 2018, an opinion article in The Week suggested that the Democratic Party is quietly admitting that Sanders was right, noting the increasing acceptance of his policy proposals.

May 9, 2018: Workplace Democracy Act Introduction

On May 9, 2018, Bernie Sanders introduced the Workplace Democracy Act, a bill that would expand labor rights by making it easier for workers to join a union.

September 5, 2018: Stop BEZOS Act Introduction

On September 5, 2018, Bernie Sanders partnered with Ro Khanna to introduce the Stop Bad Employers by Zeroing Out Subsidies (Stop BEZOS) Act.

October 2018: Khashoggi Assassination and Yemen Bill

In October 2018, after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, the bill sponsored by Bernie Sanders to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen attracted bipartisan support. The bill sought to invoke the 1973 War Powers Resolution.

November 2018: Launch of Progressive International

In November 2018, the Sanders Institute and Yanis Varoufakis launched Progressive International, an international organization uniting progressive activists and organizations.

December 2018: DNC Announces Debate Schedule

In December 2018, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced the preliminary schedule for 12 official DNC-sanctioned debates, which were set to begin in June 2019.

2018: Sanders campaign carried over funds from 2018 Senate races

According to Federal Election Commission filings, the Sanders campaign had carried over money left over from his 2018 Senate races.

2018: Returned to Stannard for reelection campaign

During his 2018 reelection campaign, Sanders returned to Stannard, Vermont, to hold an event with voters and other candidates.

2018: Alleged Statement to Warren

In 2018, Bernie Sanders allegedly told Elizabeth Warren that a woman could not win the election, which was brought up during the January 2020 CNN debate.

2018: Opposition to 2018 Federal Budget

In 2018, Bernie Sanders opposed the 2018 United States federal budget proposed by the Trump administration, calling it "a budget for the billionaire class."

2018: Declined Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate

In 2018, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, which later caused an unsuccessful legal challenge to his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016.

2018: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2018, Sanders was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

2018: Reelected in the United States Senate election in Vermont

In 2018, Sanders won the Democratic primary for reelection to the Senate, and then ran as an independent in the general election. Throughout his tenure in Congress, he has been listed as an independent and caucused with the Democrats.

2018: Rachel Bitecofer's book discusses media narrative of 2016 election

In 2018, political scientist Rachel Bitecofer wrote in her book about the 2016 election that the Democratic primary was effectively over in terms of delegate count by mid-March 2016, but that the media promoted the narrative that the contest between Sanders and Clinton was "heating up" at that time.

2018: Sanders ran for reelection as an Independent

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

2018: Reelected in 2018

Sanders was reelected in 2018 with 67% of the vote.

February 2019: Yemen Bill Passes House

In February 2019, the bill sponsored by Bernie Sanders to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen passed the House by a vote of 247-175.

February 19, 2019: Sanders announces 2020 presidential bid

On February 19, 2019, Sanders announced that he would seek the Democratic Party's 2020 nomination for president, affirming his membership in the party.

March 5, 2019: Sanders signs Democratic Party loyalty pledge

On March 5, 2019, Sanders signed a formal statement, known as a "loyalty pledge", affirming his membership in the Democratic Party and his commitment to serve as a Democrat if elected.

March 2019: Sanders Signed Loyalty Pledge to Democratic Party

In March 2019, 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.

April 6, 2019: Fox News Town Hall

On April 6, 2019, Bernie Sanders participated in a Fox News town hall, which was controversial due to the Democratic National Committee's decision to not allow Fox to host any debates. The event attracted more than 2.55 million viewers and increased Fox News viewership by 24% overall.

May 1, 2019: Tweet on China Trade Deal

On May 1, 2019, Bernie Sanders tweeted that "Since the China trade deal I voted against, America has lost over three million manufacturing jobs. It's wrong to pretend that China isn't one of our major economic competitors."

June 2019: Sanders campaign leads in fundraising among Democratic candidates

According to Federal Election Commission filings, the Sanders campaign had raised the most money in the 2020 Democratic field as of June 2019, including money left over from his 2018 Senate and 2016 presidential races.

June 2019: Start of DNC Debates

June 2019 marked the beginning of the 12 official DNC-sanctioned debates as previously announced by the Democratic National Committee in December 2018.

August 6, 2019: Appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience

On August 6, 2019, Bernie Sanders appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Rogan later expressed support for Sanders after the interview, and the podcast became a top-trending topic on Twitter.

August 2019: Sanders received the third-most mentions on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC

According to a RealClearPolitics analysis, Sanders received the third-most mentions on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC between January and August 2019, trailing only Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Biden, however, received twice as many mentions as Sanders and Harris.

September 2019: Sanders polled second in national surveys

According to the RealClearPolitics average, Sanders steadily polled between 15% and 20% on most national surveys between May and September 2019, placing him in second place behind Joe Biden.

September 2019: Town Hall Views on YouTube

As of September 2019, the Fox News town hall featuring Bernie Sanders had received over 1.5 million views on YouTube.

September 2019: Sanders campaign fastest to reach one million donors

In September 2019, the Sanders campaign became the fastest in U.S. history to reach one million donors, demonstrating significant grassroots support.

October 1, 2019: Sanders campaign raises $25.3 million in third quarter

On October 1, 2019, the Sanders campaign announced it had raised $25.3 million in the year's third quarter, with an average donation of $18, making it the largest quarterly sum raised by any Democratic candidate at that time.

October 2019: Podcast Views on YouTube

As of October 2019, The Joe Rogan Experience podcast featuring Bernie Sanders had received over ten million views on YouTube.

December 2019: Sanders Released Letters Declaring Health Recovery

In December 2019, Bernie Sanders released letters from physicians declaring him healthy and recovered from his heart condition.

2019: Support for Green New Deal

In 2019, Bernie Sanders announced his support for Green New Deal legislation and joined representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Earl Blumenauer in proposing legislation that would declare climate change a national and international emergency.

January 2020: Criticism of Soleimani Assassination

In January 2020, Sanders criticized the drone assassination of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, calling it a dangerous escalation of tensions that could lead to an expensive war.

February 2020: Sanders polled in first place in the Democratic primary

From mid-February 2020 to the start of March, Sanders polled in first place in the Democratic primary ahead of Joe Biden and was described by the press as the party's presidential front-runner.

April 8, 2020: Suspension of Campaign

On April 8, 2020, Sanders announced the suspension of his campaign, while stating he would remain on the ballot to influence the Democratic Party's platform.

2020: Proposal for Worker Ownership

During his 2020 run for president, Sanders proposed that 20% of stocks in corporations with over $100 million in annual revenue be owned by the corporation's workers.

2020: "I am once again asking for your financial support" meme goes viral

During the 2020 primary season, a still from a fundraising video, where Bernie Sanders says, "I am once again asking for your financial support," became a viral internet meme.

2020: Recruited employees and launched a smartphone app

For the 2020 campaign, it enlisted several former NowThis News employees to produce professional videos for wide social media distribution, live-streamed various forums to its millions of social media followers, and launched a podcast and smartphone app for grassroots organizing.

2020: AIPAC as a Platform for Bigotry

In 2020, Bernie Sanders called the American Israel Public Affairs Committee a platform for bigotry and stated he would not attend its conference.

2020: Sanders Voted to Convict Trump in First Impeachment Trial

In 2020, Bernie Sanders voted to convict Trump on articles of his first impeachment trial for pressuring a foreign leader to investigate Joe Biden.

2020: Sanders seeks the Democratic Party's nomination for president

In 2020, Sanders sought the Democratic Party's nomination for president, marking his second run for the presidency.

2020: Sought Democratic presidential nomination

In 2020, Sanders sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination for a second time.

2020: Major candidate for Democratic presidential nomination

In 2020, Sanders was a major candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination for a second time, finishing in second place. His strong showing in early primaries and caucuses made him the front-runner.

2020: DNC Debate Schedule

In 2020, the remaining six of the 12 official DNC-sanctioned debates, which had been announced in December 2018, occurred during the first four months of the year.

2020: CNN Hosts First Debate

In January 2020, CNN hosted the first debate with six candidates remaining, during which Abby Phillip questioned Sanders and Warren about an alleged statement Sanders made in 2018.

2020: Sanders's 2020 campaign relied predominantly on small-dollar contributions

Sanders's 2020 campaign employed many of the same methods as its 2016 counterpart, eschewing a Super PAC and relying predominantly on small-dollar contributions.

January 6, 2021: Sanders Comments on Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, after Trump supporters attacked the United States Capitol, Bernie Sanders stated that Trump would "go down in history as the worst and most dangerous president in history."

February 23, 2021: Sanders Opposed Biden's Cabinet Pick

On February 23, 2021, Bernie Sanders opposed Tom Vilsack's confirmation as Agriculture Secretary, citing concerns about Vilsack's ties to large corporations.

March 11, 2021: American Rescue Plan Act Passed

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law by Biden after passing the Senate. Bernie Sanders supported the bill's passage using budget reconciliation, a procedure to avoid filibusters, even after criticizing Republicans for doing the same to pass the 2017 tax cuts.

2021: Chaired the Senate Budget Committee

From 2021, Sanders chaired the Senate Budget Committee.

2021: Sanders Voted to Convict Trump in Second Impeachment Trial

In 2021, Bernie Sanders voted to convict Trump on the sole article of his second impeachment trial for inciting the Capitol attack.

2021: Inauguration meme goes viral

In 2021, an image of Bernie Sanders at Joe Biden's inauguration wearing mittens and a jacket became a viral meme, photoshopped into various images and scenes.

August 2022: Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

In August 2022, Sanders voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which capped the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare to $35 a month and allowed Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, although he considered it only a small step forward.

2022: Focus on Supporting Unionization

Ahead of the 2022 midterms, Sanders stated he wants the Democratic Party to focus more on supporting unionization, proposing a system where a simple majority vote leads to union formation.

2022: Sanders on the 2022 Midterm Election

Before the 2022 midterm election, Bernie Sanders called it "the most consequential midterm election" of modern U.S. history, highlighting its impact on democracy, abortion, and climate change. He expressed concern that the Democratic Party had not effectively communicated its message to young people and working-class individuals.

2022: Confirmation Vote for Ketanji Brown Jackson

In 2022, Bernie Sanders voted to confirm Joe Biden's nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.

2022: Ran against Senator Peter Welch

In 2022, Republican nominee Gerald Malloy ran against Senator Peter Welch.

April 2023: Sanders Endorsed Biden for the 2024 Presidential Election

In April 2023, Bernie Sanders endorsed Biden in the 2024 United States presidential election.

2023: Criticism During Israel-Hamas War

During the 2023 IsraelHamas war, Bernie Sanders criticized Hamas for its attacks on civilians and criticized Israel for its bombing of Gaza, later calling for a humanitarian ceasefire.

2023: Chaired the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

From 2023, Sanders chaired the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

May 6, 2024: Announced candidacy for fourth Senate term

On May 6, 2024, Sanders announced his candidacy for a fourth Senate term.

2024: Value of Fine Adjusted for Inflation

In 1963, Sanders was fined $25 for resisting arrest. This is equivalent to $257 in 2024.

2024: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

In 2024, Sanders was re-elected to the U.S. Senate.

2024: Trump's Reelection in 2024

In 2024, Trump's reelection led to policies reducing taxes on corporations and capital gains, instituting a flat income tax, and cutting Medicare and Medicaid. Elon Musk's formation of DOGE, as well as the enactment of Project 2025, were seen as myopic and unconstitutional by some.

2024: Sanders Endorsed Harris for President

In April 2023, after Biden withdrew from the race in 2024, Bernie Sanders endorsed Harris for president at the Democratic National Convention.

2024: Signed Paperwork to Run as Independent for Senate Reelection

In March 2019, Sanders signed the pledge the day after he signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to the Senate in 2024.

2024: Sanders runs as an independent for reelection to his Senate seat

News reports noted that the day before he signed a loyalty pledge, Sanders had signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to his Senate seat in 2024.

2024: Opposed Donald Trump's policies

Since Donald Trump's reelection as president in 2024, Sanders has vocally opposed Trump's corruption and what he calls a right-wing oligarchy.

February 2025: "Fight Oligarchy" Tour

In February 2025, Bernie Sanders launched a "Fight Oligarchy" tour of Midwest districts that Republicans won but could be winnable by Democrats in the 2026 House elections.

February 2025: Sanders Began "Fight Oligarchy Tour"

In February 2025, in response to a tanking economy and alleged corruption following Trump's reelection in 2024, Bernie Sanders began a "Fight Oligarchy Tour."

2025: End of term as chair of Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee

In 2025, Sanders' term as the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is scheduled to end.

2026: Targeting House Elections

Bernie Sanders' "Fight Oligarchy" tour in February 2025 was aimed at Midwest districts that Republicans won but could be winnable by Democrats in the 2026 House elections.