History of Bernie Sanders in Timeline
Bernard "Bernie" Sanders is a prominent American politician and activist currently serving as the senior U.S. Senator from Vermont. Notably, he holds the record for the longest tenure as an independent in U.S. Congressional history. While maintaining his independent status, Sanders has consistently aligned with the Democratic Party, caucusing with them in both the House and Senate throughout much of his career. He twice sought the Democratic presidential nomination, in 2016 and 2020, and is considered a leading figure in the modern American progressive movement due to his promotion of policies addressing economic inequality and social justice.
September 8, 1941: Birth of Bernard Sanders
On September 8, 1941, Bernard Sanders was born.
1948: Vito Marcantonio won his 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 won his second term
In 1952, Frazier Reams of Ohio won his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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.
1959: Attended Brooklyn College
In 1959, Sanders studied at Brooklyn College for a year.
1960: Attended Brooklyn College
In 1960, Sanders studied at Brooklyn College for a year.
January 1962: Protest against segregated housing at University of Chicago
In January 1962, Sanders participated in a rally and sit-in at the University of Chicago to protest the university's segregated campus housing policy.
1963: Volunteered on Israeli kibbutz
In 1963, Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing volunteered on the Israeli kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim for several months.
1963: March on Washington
In 1963, Sanders attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. gave the "I Have a Dream" speech. He was also fined $25 for resisting arrest during a demonstration against segregation in Chicago's public schools that summer.
1963: University of Chicago ends housing segregation
In the summer of 1963, following protests, the University of Chicago ended racial segregation in private university housing.
1964: Graduation 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 divorced Deborah Shiling Messing.
1968: Move to Vermont
In 1968, Sanders moved to Stannard, Vermont, captivated by rural life.
1969: Sanders Resides in Montpelier
From 1969, Sanders resided in Montpelier.
1969: Birth of Son Levi Sanders
In 1969, Sanders's son, Levi Sanders, was born to then-girlfriend Susan Campbell Mott.
1971: Birth of Heather Titus
In 1971, Heather Titus (née Driscoll) was born.
1971: Joined Liberty Union Party
In 1971, Sanders joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party and became a candidate for several offices, although he never won an election.
1971: Sanders Resides in Montpelier
Until 1971, Sanders resided in Montpelier.
1972: Liberty Union Candidate
In 1972, Sanders ran as the Liberty Union candidate for governor of Vermont and U.S. senator in a special election.
1974: Senate Election
In 1974, Sanders ran as a candidate in the general election for U.S. senator, finishing third.
1976: Proposal for Workplace Democracy
In 1976, Sanders proposed workplace democracy, suggesting that major industries should be publicly owned and controlled by the workers themselves.
1976: Liberty Union Candidate
In 1976, Sanders ran as the Liberty Union candidate for governor of Vermont.
1976: Breakdown of Vermont gubernatorial election
Richard Sugarman showed Sanders a ward-by-ward breakdown of the 1976 Vermont gubernatorial election, in which Sanders had run, that showed him receiving 12% of the vote in Burlington despite only getting 6% statewide.
1976: Zenith 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: Retirement from Liberty Union Party
In October 1977, Sanders and Nancy Kaufman, announced their retirement from the Liberty Union Party.
1977: Resigned from Liberty Union Party
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.
November 8, 1980: Candidacy for Mayor
On November 8, 1980, Sanders announced his candidacy for mayor.
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, Sanders campaigned against plans to convert the Burlington waterfront into expensive condominiums, hotels, and offices, supporting a plan for a mixed-use district.
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: Announcement of Reelection Campaign
On December 3, 1982, Sanders announced that he would seek reelection as mayor.
January 22, 1983: Citizens Party Endorsement
On January 22, 1983, the Citizens Party voted unanimously to endorse Sanders for mayor, though he ran as an independent.
1983: Speech at Socialist Party USA conference
In 1983, Sanders attended the conference of the Socialist Party USA, where he delivered a speech.
December 5, 1984: Announcement of Mayoral Reelection Campaign
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, although his support was lukewarm.
1985: Speech by Noam Chomsky at Burlington City Hall
In 1985, Burlington City Hall hosted a foreign policy speech by Noam Chomsky, introduced by Sanders, who praised Chomsky's voice in intellectual life.
December 1, 1986: Announcement of Mayoral Candidacy
On December 1, 1986, Sanders announced that he would seek reelection to a fourth term as mayor of Burlington.
1986: Bernie Speaks with the Community
In 1986, Bernie Sanders hosted and produced a public-access television program called, Bernie Speaks with the Community.
December 1987: Recorded Folk Album
In December 1987, Sanders recorded a folk album, We Shall Overcome, with 30 Vermont musicians, performing vocals in a talking blues style.
1987: We Shall Overcome folk album
In 1987, Bernie 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, emphasizing democratic control over factories and shops.
1987: Announcement to not seek another mayoral term
Sanders said he would not seek another mayoral term after the 1987 election.
May 28, 1988: Married Jane O'Meara Driscoll
On May 28, 1988, Sanders married Jane O'Meara Driscoll in Burlington, Vermont.
1988: House seat election
In 1988, Bernie Sanders ran for the U.S. House seat representing Vermont's at-large congressional district as an independent and placed second with 38% of the vote.
1988: Trip to the Soviet Union
In 1988, Bernie Sanders traveled to the Soviet Union and interviewed the mayor of Burlington's sister city, Yaroslavl, about housing and health care issues.
1988: Appeared in 'Sweet Hearts Dance'
In 1988, Sanders appeared in a cameo role in the comedy-drama film Sweet Hearts Dance.
1988: Endorsed Jesse Jackson
In 1988, Sanders enthusiastically endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson.
1988: First Run for 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.
1988: Ranked as one of America's best mayors
In 1988, U.S. News & World Report ranked Bernie Sanders one of America's best mayors.
1989: Changed the nature of politics in Burlington
In 1989, upon Sanders leaving office, 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: Election 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: Benefitting from NRA Opposition
In 1990, Sanders' bid to become a U.S. Representative benefitted from the National Rifle Association of America opposing the competing campaign of Peter Smith, who had reversed his stance on firearm restrictions.
1991: Co-founded the Congressional Progressive Caucus
In 1991, Bernie Sanders co-founded the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
1991: Voted against the use of force against Iraq
In 1991, Bernie Sanders voted against the resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq.
1991: Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives
In 1991, Bernie Sanders was elected as an independent to the U.S. House of Representatives, marking the first time since 1952 that an independent was elected.
1991: Lecturer at Hamilton College
In 1991, Sanders lectured in political science at Hamilton College.
February 7, 1992: Sponsored the Cancer Registries Amendment Act
On February 7, 1992, Bernie Sanders sponsored the Cancer Registries Amendment Act to establish cancer registries to collect data on cancer.
October 2, 1992: Senate companion bill introduced
On October 2, 1992, Senator Patrick Leahy introduced a companion bill in the Senate for the Cancer Registries Amendment Act.
October 24, 1992: Cancer Registries Amendment Act signed into law
On October 24, 1992, the Cancer Registries Amendment Act was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush.
1993: Voted against the Brady Bill
In 1993, Bernie Sanders voted against the Brady Bill, which mandated federal background checks when buying guns.
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 for handgun purchases.
1994: Won reelection by 3%
During the 1994 Republican Revolution, Bernie Sanders won reelection by 3%.
1994: Voted for Violent Crime Control Act
In 1994, Bernie Sanders voted for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act because it included the Violence Against Women Act and the ban on certain assault weapons.
1995: Republican control of Congress
Since 1995, Congress was entirely under Republican control.
1996: Voted against bill restricting police purchases
In 1996, Bernie Sanders voted against a bill that would have prohibited police from purchasing tanks and armored carriers.
1996: Vote against CDC Funding for Firearms Research
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 increasing minimum sentencing
In 1998, Bernie Sanders voted for a bill that would have increased minimum sentencing for possessing a gun while committing a federal crime.
1999: Voted against rolling back Glass-Steagall
In 1999, Bernie Sanders voted and advocated against rolling back the Glass–Steagall legislation provisions.
1999: Acted in 'My X-Girlfriend's Wedding Reception'
In 1999, Sanders acted in the film My X-Girlfriend's Wedding Reception, playing Rabbi Manny Shevitz.
October 2000: Extended PNTR to China
In October 2000, permanent normal trade relations was extended to China.
2001: Voted for Authorization for Use of Military Force
In 2001, Bernie Sanders voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists.
2002: Voted against the use of force against Iraq
In 2002, Bernie Sanders voted against the resolution authorizing the use of force against Iraq.
June 2003: Criticized Alan Greenspan
In June 2003, Bernie Sanders criticized Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan, expressing concern that he was "way out of touch".
2003: Opposed the invasion of Iraq
In 2003, Bernie Sanders opposed the invasion of Iraq.
February 2005: Introduced bill to withdraw normal trade relations with China
In February 2005, Bernie Sanders introduced a bill that would have withdrawn the permanent normal trade relations status with China.
April 21, 2005: Entered the race for the U.S. Senate
On April 21, 2005, Bernie Sanders entered the race for the U.S. Senate.
May 2005: Endorsement from Howard Dean
In May 2005, Bernie Sanders was endorsed by Democratic National Committee chair and former Vermont governor Howard Dean.
June 2005: Proposed amendment to limit Patriot Act provisions
In June 2005, Bernie Sanders proposed an amendment to limit Patriot Act provisions that allow the government to obtain individuals' library and book-buying records.
2005: Voted for Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act
In 2005, Bernie Sanders voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which aimed to prevent firearms manufacturers from being held liable for crimes committed with their products.
2005: "Amendment King"
In 2005, Rolling Stone called Bernie Sanders the "amendment king" for his ability to get more roll call amendments passed than any other congressman since 1995.
2005: Vote for Gun Manufacturer Legal Immunity
In 2005, Sanders voted for legislation that gave gun manufacturers legal immunity against claims of negligence.
March 2006: Obama campaigned for Sanders
In March 2006, then-Senator Barack Obama campaigned for Bernie Sanders in Vermont.
2006: Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate
In 2006, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate.
2006: Ran for U.S. Senate
In 2006, Sanders ran for the U.S. Senate, using the same strategy of winning the Democratic primary and running as an independent in the general election.
2007: Helped kill immigration reform bill
In 2007, Sanders helped kill a bill introducing comprehensive immigration reform, arguing that its guest-worker program would depress wages for American workers.
2007: Caucussed with the Democrats, giving them a Senate majority
In 2007, Sanders' caucusing with the Democrats gave them a 51–49 majority in the Senate during the 110th Congress.
2008: Voted against TARP
In 2008, Bernie Sanders voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).
2008: Clinton supporters voted for John McCain
In 2008, some of Hillary Clinton's supporters voted for John McCain.
February 4, 2009: Sponsored amendment to protect U.S. workers
On February 4, 2009, Bernie Sanders sponsored an amendment to ensure that TARP funds would not displace U.S. workers.
December 2009: Added provision to Affordable Care Act
In December 2009, Bernie Sanders successfully added a provision to the Affordable Care Act to fund $11 billion to community health centers.
2009: Support for Same-Sex Marriage in Vermont
In 2009, Sanders supported legalizing same-sex marriage in Vermont.
December 10, 2010: Delivered 8-hour speech against tax bill
On December 10, 2010, Bernie Sanders delivered an 8-hour and 34-minute speech against the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.
2010: Supported the DREAM Act
In 2010, 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: Speech published as a book
In February 2011, Nation Books published Bernie Sanders' speech as The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class.
August 2011: Third-most popular U.S. senator
In August 2011, a poll found that Sanders's approval rating was 67%, making him then the third-most popular U.S. senator.
2011: Suggested it was a good idea for someone to challenge Obama
In 2011, Sanders suggested that it was "a good idea" for someone to challenge Obama in the Democratic presidential primaries.
2012: Considered running against Obama in the Democratic presidential primaries
During the 2012 Democratic presidential primaries, Sanders reportedly considered running against President Obama in the primaries.
2012: Reelected to the Senate
In 2012, Bernie Sanders was reelected to the Senate with 71% of the vote.
2012: Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate
In 2012, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate.
November 2013: Suggested Elizabeth Warren could be president
In November 2013, 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
As of 2013, Burlington was regarded as one of the most livable cities in the United States.
2013: Chair of Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
From 2013, Sanders chaired the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
2013: Larry Sanders Retired From Council
In 2013, Larry Sanders retired from the Oxfordshire County Council where he was a Green Party county councillor.
2013: Supported Gang of Eight's immigration reform bill
In 2013, Sanders supported the Gang of Eight's comprehensive immigration reform bill after securing a $1.5 billion youth jobs program provision.
2013: Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
In 2013, Sanders was the chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs (during the Veterans Health Administration scandal).
2013: Introduced legislation to strengthen the Older Americans Act
In 2013, as chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging, Sanders introduced legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the Older Americans Act, which supports programs for seniors like Meals on Wheels.
June 9, 2014: Sponsored Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014
On June 9, 2014, Sanders sponsored the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs.
July 31, 2014: Veterans' Access to Care Act passed in both chambers
On July 31, 2014, the Veterans' Access to Care Act, which incorporated 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 Act was signed into law by President Obama.
December 2014: Elizabeth Warren declined to run for president
In December 2014, Warren said she was not running for president.
2014: Ranked third in The Forward 50
In 2014, Sanders ranked third in The Forward 50.
April 30, 2015: Announced intention to seek Democratic nomination for president
On April 30, 2015, Sanders announced his intention to seek the Democratic Party's nomination for president.
May 2015: DNC announced six debates for Democratic candidates
In May 2015, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced that there would be six debates for the Democratic candidates.
June 2015: Campaign events drew overflow crowds across the country
In June 2015, Sanders's campaign events drew overflow crowds across the country.
July 1, 2015: Drew largest crowd of any 2016 presidential candidate to that date
On July 1, 2015, 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: Organized online meetup with supporters
On July 29, 2015, a meetup organized online brought 100,000 supporters to more than 3,500 simultaneous events nationwide.
September 2015: The New York Times ombudsman reviewed coverage of the Sanders campaign
In September 2015, The New York Times' ombudsman reviewed her paper's coverage of the Sanders campaign and found that the Times hadn't always taken it very seriously.
October 2015: Discussed Beliefs on Religion
In October 2015, Sanders discussed his views on religion on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, describing himself as culturally Jewish but not particularly religious and stating his belief in God.
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, adding that the U.S. should continue to welcome Syrian refugees.
November 2015: Speech at Georgetown University on Democratic Socialism
In November 2015, Bernie Sanders delivered a speech at Georgetown University, outlining his perspective on democratic socialism, drawing parallels with policies of presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson. He defined his version of "democratic socialism," emphasizing that he doesn't advocate for government control of private businesses but believes in a decent standard of living for the middle class and working families.
November 2015: Most popular U.S. senator
In a November 2015 poll, Sanders reached an 83% approval rating among his constituents, making him the most popular U.S. senator.
December 4, 2015: Won Time's Person of the Year readers' poll
On December 4, 2015, Sanders won Time's 2015 Person of the Year readers' poll.
December 2015: Report found major networks spent significantly less time reporting on Sanders than on Trump
A December 2015 report found that the three major networks—CBS, NBC, and ABC—had spent 234 minutes reporting on Trump and 10 minutes on Sanders.
2015: Sanders received coverage exceeding polling performance
A study of media coverage in the 2016 election concluded that during 2015 Sanders received coverage that far exceeded his standing in the polls.
2015: Larry Sanders Ran For Oxford West
In 2015, Larry Sanders ran as a Green Party candidate for Oxford West and Abingdon in the British general election.
2015: Attended Tashlikh Ceremony
In 2015, Sanders attended a Tashlikh ceremony with the mayor of Lynchburg on Rosh Hashanah afternoon.
2015: Became ranking minority member on the Senate Budget Committee
In 2015, Sanders became the ranking minority member on the Senate Budget Committee.
2015: Chair of Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
Until 2015, Sanders chaired the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee.
January 2016: Raised $20 million in campaign donations
By the end of January 2016, Sanders's presidential campaign had reached 3.25 million donations, raising $20 million in that month alone.
February 6, 2016: Guest Starred on Saturday Night Live
On February 6, 2016, Sanders was a guest star alongside Larry David on Saturday Night Live, playing a Polish immigrant.
February 2016: Clinton and Sanders campaigns agreed to four more debates
In February 2016, both the Clinton and Sanders campaigns agreed in principle to holding four more debates for a total of ten.
March 2016: Speeches of Trump, Clinton, Rubio, and Cruz broadcast, Sanders not mentioned
In March 2016, during Super Tuesday III, news outlets broadcast speeches of Trump, Clinton, Rubio, and Cruz in full, while omitting Sanders's speech in Phoenix, despite the rally being larger. The media promoted the narrative that the Democratic primary contest between Sanders and Clinton was "heating up" at that time, even though the delegate count suggested the primary was effectively over by mid-March 2016.
March 17, 2016: Expressed support for Merrick Garland's nomination
On March 17, 2016, Sanders said he would support Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court.
March 20, 2016: Received Honorary Lushootseed Name
On March 20, 2016, Sanders was given an honorary Lushootseed name, dxʷshudičup, in Seattle to honor his focus on Native American issues during his presidential campaign.
April 2016: Spoke at Vatican Conference and Met Pope Francis
In April 2016, Sanders spoke at a Vatican conference on economic and environmental issues and met briefly with Pope Francis.
April 2016: Brand New Congress formed by former campaign staffers
In April 2016, former campaign staffers formed Brand New Congress to elect congressional representatives aligned with Sanders's platform.
May 2016: Poll shows Sanders would beat Trump by a wider margin than Clinton
In May 2016, an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll revealed that while Clinton and Trump were in a "dead heat," Sanders would defeat Trump by a significant margin (53% to 39%) if he were the Democratic nominee. The poll indicated Sanders had a more favorable rating than Clinton and Trump.
July 12, 2016: Formally endorsed Hillary Clinton for president
On July 12, 2016, Sanders formally endorsed Clinton in her unsuccessful general election campaign against Republican Donald Trump, while urging his supporters to continue the "political revolution" his campaign had begun.
July 2016: Democratic platform draft called a monument to Sanders's 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.
July 2016: DNC email leak reveals officials favored Clinton over Sanders
In July 2016, leaked DNC emails showed officials favored Clinton over Sanders, discussing making his irreligious tendencies a campaign issue and questioning his party loyalty. DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz criticized Sanders's campaign manager.
July 2016: DNC emails leaked showing favoritism toward Clinton
In July 2016, some of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails leaked to the public showed that the committee leadership had favored Clinton over Sanders.
August 2016: Sanders forms Our Revolution political organization
In August 2016, Sanders formed Our Revolution, a political organization dedicated to educating voters and electing progressive candidates.
November 2016: Sanders's book released, becomes a best seller
In November 2016, Sanders's book 'Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In' was released and became a New York Times Best Seller.
2016: Media coverage of Sanders largely 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.
2016: Shift in Democratic Party
After his 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders is credited with influencing a leftward shift in the Democratic Party.
2016: Sanders formally endorses Clinton after final primary
After the final primary election in 2016, Clinton became the presumptive Democratic nominee. On July 12, Sanders formally endorsed Clinton, promising to implement progressive positions. He spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 25, giving Clinton his full support, despite some of his supporters protesting and booing.
2016: Changed position on Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act
As of 2016, Bernie Sanders stated that he had changed his position and would vote for legislation to defeat the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.
2016: Support for Repealing Gun Manufacturer Legal 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: Suggested Democratic Party Reforms
Following Trump's victory in the 2016 elections, Sanders suggested the Democratic Party undergo a series of reforms and sever its ties with the corporate establishment.
2016: Voted for the Federal Reserve Transparency Act
In 2016, Bernie Sanders voted for the Federal Reserve Transparency Act.
2016: Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes
In 2016, Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in the national popular vote.
2016: Sanders relies on small-dollar contributions
In 2016, Sanders campaign relies predominantly on small-dollar contributions
2016: Disclosed Religious Feelings
In 2016, Sanders disclosed that he had "very strong religious and spiritual feelings" related to the well-being of others.
2016: Ranked first in The Forward 50
In 2016, Sanders ranked first in The Forward 50.
2016: Presidential Nomination
In 2016, Sanders sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
2016: Campaigning for president
In 2016, Sanders was campaigning for president.
2016: Sanders campaign volunteer contacted PAC to report suspicious activities
In 2016, a Sanders campaign volunteer contacted a PAC to report suspicious activities.
2016: Legal challenge to Sanders candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination
In 2016, there was an unsuccessful legal challenge to Sanders candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.
2016: Concern about Russian Interference in 2016 Election
In January 2018, Sanders voiced concern about Trump's failure to mention the finding that Russia had interfered in the 2016 election.
2016: Criticism of Russian Interference in US Elections
In September 2017, Sanders criticized Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections and the way President Trump has handled the crisis.
2016: Commentary on Sanders by Joan Mahoney
In a 2016 interview, Joan Mahoney, a fellow activist, described Sanders as a swell guy from Brooklyn who could work with a wide group of people.
2016: Described Upbringing as American Jew
In a 2016 speech, Sanders described his upbringing as an American Jew, detailing his family's limited religious observances.
2016: Sanders builds large email list
Since his 2016 campaign, Sanders maintained a high national profile. 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.
2016: Ran as a Democrat
Starting with his 2016 presidential campaign, Sanders suggested he would run as a Democrat in future elections.
March 2017: Highest net favorability of any prominent politician
In March 2017, Fox News found Sanders to have the highest net favorability at +28 points of any prominent politician included in its poll.
April 2, 2017: The Bernie Sanders Show featured guests
On April 2, 2017, The Bernie Sanders Show featured guests like William Barber, Josh Fox, Jane Mayer, and Bill Nye.
April 2017: Introduced bill to raise minimum wage for federal contract workers
In April 2017, Sanders introduced a bill that would raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers to $15 an hour.
April 2017: Highest favorability rating among political figures
In April 2017, a nationwide poll found that Sanders had the highest favorability rating among all the political figures included in the poll.
May 4, 2017: Predicted deaths from ACA repeal
On May 4, 2017, Bernie Sanders predicted that "thousands of Americans would die" from the House vote to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
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.
September 2017: Submitted Medicare for All bill
In September 2017, Bernie Sanders and 15 Senate co-sponsors submitted the Medicare for All bill.
September 2017: Speech at Westminster College
In September 2017, Sanders delivered a speech at Westminster College, outlining a foreign policy plan focused on international collaboration, adherence to U.S.-led international agreements, and promoting human rights and democratic ideals. He criticized U.S. support for "murderous regimes" during the Cold War and addressed Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.
October 2017: Announced Run as Independent
In October 2017, Sanders announced that he would run for reelection as an independent in 2018, despite facing pressure to run as a Democrat.
November 2017: Called for an end to global oligarchy
In November 2017, after the revelations from the Paradise Papers, Sanders stated that "we must end global oligarchy" and called for a fair, progressive, and transparent tax system.
2017: Analysis shows Sanders voters less likely to vote for Trump than Clinton supporters for McCain
A 2017 Newsweek analysis found that 12% of Sanders voters in the Democratic primary voted for Trump in the general election, a lower proportion than Clinton supporters in 2008 who voted for John McCain.
2017: Drew parallels to Labour Party in UK
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 ideology.
2017: Promise to Defeat "Trumpism"
In 2017, Sanders promised to defeat "Trump and Trumpism and the Republican right-wing ideology".
2017: Criticism of Republican Tax Cuts
Sanders strongly supported Senate Democrats' decision to use budget reconciliation to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, despite having criticized Republicans' use of reconciliation to pass the 2017 tax cuts.
2017: Became chair of the Senate Democratic Outreach Committee
Since 2017, Sanders has been chair of the Senate Democratic Outreach Committee.
January 2018: Online Reply to Trump's State of the Union
In January 2018, Sanders gave an online reply to Trump's State of the Union address, calling Trump "compulsively dishonest" and criticizing him for initiating "a looming immigration crisis" by ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
February 2018: Mueller investigation concludes Russians interfered to help Sanders
In February 2018, the Mueller investigation concluded that Russians had communicated false information to help Sanders and Stein and harm Clinton. Sanders rejected this conclusion.
April 2018: The Democratic Party is admitting that Sanders was right
In April 2018, an opinion article suggested that the Democratic Party was admitting that Sanders was right and the increasing acceptance of his national single-payer health-care program.
May 9, 2018: Introduced the Workplace Democracy Act
On May 9, 2018, Sanders introduced the Workplace Democracy Act, a bill that would expand labor rights and make it easier for workers to join a union.
September 5, 2018: Introduced the Stop BEZOS Act
On September 5, 2018, Sanders partnered with Ro Khanna to introduce the Stop Bad Employers by Zeroing Out Subsidies (Stop BEZOS) Act, which would require large corporations to pay for the food stamps and Medicaid benefits that their employees receive.
October 2018: Khashoggi assassination
In October 2018, the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi occurred, leading to increased support for Sanders' bill to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen.
November 2018: Sanders Institute launches Progressive International
In November 2018, the Sanders Institute and Yanis Varoufakis launched Progressive International, uniting progressive activists and organizations.
December 2018: DNC announces preliminary debate schedule
In December 2018, the DNC announced the preliminary schedule for 12 official DNC-sanctioned debates, set to begin in June 2019.
2018: Campaign event in Stannard
During his 2018 reelection campaign, Sanders returned to Stannard, Vermont, to hold an event with voters and other candidates.
2018: Reelected to the Senate
In 2018, Bernie Sanders was reelected to the Senate with 67% of the vote.
2018: Sanders allegedly told Warren that a woman could not win the election
In 2018, Sanders allegedly told Warren that a woman could not win the election
2018: Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate
In 2018, Sanders declined the Vermont Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate.
2018: Opposed Trump administration's federal budget
In 2018, Sanders opposed the United States federal budget proposed by the Trump administration, calling it "a budget for the billionaire class."
2018: Re-election as Independent
In 2018, Sanders ran for reelection to the Senate as an independent.
2018: Sanders raised money in his 2018 Senate race
Sanders raised money from his 2018 senate race
February 2019: Bill passed the House
In February 2019, Sanders' bill to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen passed the House.
February 19, 2019: Sanders announces 2020 presidential run
On February 19, 2019, Sanders announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination and agreed to abide by the party rules.
March 5, 2019: Sanders signs Democratic Party loyalty pledge
On March 5, 2019, Sanders signed a formal statement affirming his membership in the Democratic Party and pledging to serve as a Democrat if elected.
March 2019: Signed Democratic Party loyalty pledge
In March 2019, Sanders signed a formal "loyalty pledge" to the Democratic Party, declaring himself a member and promising to serve as a Democrat if elected president.
April 6, 2019: Sanders participates in Fox News town hall
On April 6, 2019, Sanders participated in a Fox News town hall that attracted more than 2.55 million viewers, surpassing the ratings of other Democratic candidates' town halls that year.
May 1, 2019: Tweet on China Trade Deal
On May 1, 2019, Sanders tweeted about the China trade deal he had voted against, stating that America had lost over three million manufacturing jobs since its implementation. He argued against the notion that China isn't a major economic competitor.
June 2019: Sanders campaign raises the most money in Democratic field
As of June 2019, the Sanders campaign had raised the most money in the 2020 Democratic field, including money left over from his 2018 Senate and 2016 presidential races.
June 2019: DNC-sanctioned debates began
In June 2019, the DNC began the debates, with six debates in 2019.
August 6, 2019: Sanders appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast
On August 6, 2019, Sanders appeared on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' podcast, leading to varied reactions and making Rogan a trending topic. Rogan later endorsed Sanders.
August 2019: Sanders received the third-most mentions on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC
According to a RealClearPolitics analysis, between January and August 2019, Sanders received the third-most mentions on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC trailing only Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Biden, however, received twice as many mentions as Sanders and Harris.
September 2019: Sanders Fox News town hall receives over 1.5 million views on YouTube
As of September 2019, Sanders's Fox News town hall had received more than 1.5 million views on YouTube.
September 2019: Sanders steadily polls between 15% and 20%
In September 2019, Sanders polled steadily between 15% and 20% on most national surveys.
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.
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. It was the largest quarterly sum raised by any Democratic candidate.
October 2019: Sanders podcast received more than ten million views on YouTube
As of October 2019, the Sanders podcast had received more than ten million views on YouTube.
December 2019: Declared healthy after heart attack
In December 2019, Sanders released letters from physicians declaring him healthy and recovered from his recent heart condition.
2019: Support for the Green New Deal
In 2019, Sanders announced his support for the Green New Deal legislation. He 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, warning of a dangerous escalation that could lead to an expensive war.
February 2020: Sanders polls in first place in 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: Sanders suspends his campaign
On April 8, 2020, Sanders announced he was suspending his campaign but would remain on the ballot to influence the Democratic Party's platform. On April 14, Sanders endorsed Biden.
2020: Proposal for Worker Ownership
During his 2020 presidential run, Sanders proposed that 20% of stocks in corporations with over $100 million in annual revenue be owned by the corporation's workers and that 45% of the board of directors of corporations with over $100 million in annual revenue be elected by the workers of that corporation.
2020: "I am once again asking" Meme
During the 2020 primary season, a still from a fundraising video in which Sanders says "I am once again asking for your financial support" went viral online.
2020: Criticism of AIPAC
In 2020, Sanders criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), labeling it a platform for bigotry and declaring that he would not attend its conference.
2020: Presidential Nomination
In 2020, Sanders sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
2020: Vote to Convict Trump in First Impeachment Trial
In 2020, Sanders voted to convict Trump on both articles of his first impeachment trial, which was based on Trump pressuring a foreign leader to investigate Joe Biden.
2020: Sanders seeks the Democratic Party's nomination for president
In 2020, Sanders was seeking the Democratic Party's nomination for president.
2020: Sanders 2020 campaign recruits over one million volunteers
In 2020, Sanders's campaign recruited over one million volunteers within weeks of its launch, due to email list from his 2016 presidential run.
2020: Remaining DNC-sanctioned debates
In 2020, remaining six debates were set during the first four months
2020: CNN hosts debate
In January 2020, CNN hosted the first debate with six candidates, leading to a contentious exchange between Sanders and Warren about a previous conversation.
2020: Sanders 2020 campaign employs similar methods as 2016
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: Commentary on the Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, after Trump supporters attacked the United States Capitol, Sanders commented that Trump would "go down in history as the worst and most dangerous president in history" due to inciting violence and insurrection.
February 23, 2021: Opposition to Vilsack's Confirmation
On February 23, 2021, Sanders became the first senator in the Democratic caucus to oppose one of Biden's cabinet picks, voting against Tom Vilsack's confirmation as Agriculture Secretary due to concerns about Vilsack's past work as a lobbyist and ties to large corporations.
March 11, 2021: Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
Sanders strongly supported Senate Democrats' decision to use budget reconciliation to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The bill passed the Senate by a 50–49 vote and was signed into law by Biden on March 11, 2021.
2021: Chair of Senate Budget Committee
From 2021, Sanders chaired the Senate Budget Committee.
2021: Vote to Convict Trump in Second Impeachment Trial
In 2021, Sanders voted to convict Trump on the sole article of his second impeachment trial, which was based on inciting the Capitol attack.
2021: Inauguration Mittens Meme
In 2021, a frame from the inauguration of Joe Biden showing Sanders seated in a folding chair wearing patterned mittens went viral, being edited into various images.
August 2022: Voted for the Inflation Reduction Act
In August 2022, Bernie Sanders voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, despite calling it only a small step forward.
2022: Call for Focus on Unionization
Ahead of the 2022 midterms, Sanders advocated for the Democratic Party to prioritize supporting unionization efforts, suggesting a system where a simple majority vote in a bargaining unit would automatically form a union.
2022: Assessment of the Midterm Election
Before the 2022 midterm election, Sanders said he regarded it as deciding the fate of democracy, abortion, and climate change, calling it "the most consequential midterm election" of modern U.S. history. He expressed a fear that the Democratic Party had "not done a good enough job" of getting its message out "to young people and working-class people."
2022: Gerald Malloy ran against Peter Welch
In 2022, Gerald Malloy ran against Senator Peter Welch.
2022: Voted to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
In 2022, Sanders voted to confirm Joe Biden's nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
April 2023: Endorsement of Biden in 2024 Election
In April 2023, Sanders endorsed Biden in the 2024 United States presidential election.
2023: Chair of Senate Budget Committee
From 2023, Sanders chaired the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and he was no longer the chair of the Senate Budget Committee.
2023: $25 Fine Equivalent
In 1963, Sanders was fined $25 dollars for resisting arrest, which is equivalent to $249 in 2023.
May 6, 2024: Announced candidacy for fourth Senate term
On May 6, 2024, Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy for a fourth Senate term.
2024: Statement on Trump's Presidential Election Win
After Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Sanders released a statement blaming the Democratic Party's abandonment of "working-class people" for its defeat.
2024: Sanders signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to his Senate seat
In 2024, Sanders signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to his Senate seat.
2024: Re-election to U.S. Senate
In 2024, Sanders was reelected to the U.S. Senate.
2024: Paperwork to run as Independent
In March 2019, Sanders signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to the Senate in 2024.
2025: Chair of Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
In 2025, Sanders will no longer be the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
