Full History Of Bernie Sanders In Timeline From 1948

1 day ago : Bernie Sanders rallies against Trump and billionaires at 'No Kings' protest in DC.

Senator Bernie Sanders spoke at the 'No Kings' rally in Washington D.C., condemning Trump and billionaires. Adam Schiff shared a video with Bill Nye at the rally. Sanders focused on economic inequality.

1948: Vito Marcantonio wins last term

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

1952: Frazier Reams wins second term

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

1956: Introduction to political activism

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

1963: Volunteered on an Israeli kibbutz

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

1963: Volunteering at Kibbutz Sha'ar HaAmakim

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

1964: Married Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1964, Bernie Sanders married Deborah Shiling Messing.

1966: Divorced Deborah Shiling Messing

In 1966, Bernie Sanders and Deborah Shiling Messing divorced.

1969: Birth of son Levi Sanders

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

1971: Joined Vermont's Liberty Union Party

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

1971: Birth of stepdaughter Heather Titus

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

1973: War Powers Resolution of 1973

In 2018, Sanders invoked the 1973 War Powers Resolution. The War Powers Resolution of 1973 is a federal law intended to check the U.S. president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of the U.S. Congress.

1974: Birth of stepdaughter Carina Driscoll

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

1975: Birth of stepson Dave Driscoll

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

1977: Quit the Liberty Union Party

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

1980: Served as an elector for the Socialist Workers Party

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

1981: Campaign against waterfront development plans

In 1981, Bernie Sanders campaigned against Burlington developer Tony Pomerleau's unpopular 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 that redeveloped the waterfront area into a mixed-use district with housing, parks, and public spaces.

1981: Elected mayor of Burlington, Vermont

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

1983: Gave a speech at the Socialist Party USA conference

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

1984: Endorsed Walter Mondale for president

In 1984, Bernie Sanders endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Walter Mondale, although his endorsement was lukewarm.

1985: Hosts Noam Chomsky speech at Burlington City Hall

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

1986: Hosts public-access television program

In 1986, Bernie Sanders started hosting and producing a public-access television program, Bernie Speaks with the Community.

December 1987: Recording of Folk Album

In December 1987, Bernie Sanders recorded a folk album, We Shall Overcome, with 30 Vermont musicians, performing his vocals in a talking blues style due to his lack of singing skills.

1987: Records folk album

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

May 28, 1988: Married Jane O'Meara Driscoll

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

1988: Interview with Yaroslavl Mayor

During a trip to the Soviet Union in 1988, Bernie Sanders interviewed the mayor of Burlington's sister city Yaroslavl about housing and health care issues in the two cities.

1988: Cameo in "Sweet Hearts Dance"

In 1988, Bernie Sanders appeared in a cameo role in the comedy-drama film Sweet Hearts Dance, playing a man who distributes candy to trick-or-treaters.

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1988: End of public-access television program

In 1988, Bernie Sanders ended his public-access television program, Bernie Speaks with the Community.

1988: Endorsed Jesse Jackson for president

In 1988, Bernie Sanders endorsed Jesse Jackson for president enthusiastically.

1988: First ran for US House of Representatives

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

1988: Runs for U.S. House seat, places second

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.

1989: Bouricius reflects on Sanders' impact

When Bernie Sanders left office in 1989, 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: Benefitted from NRA opposition to Peter Smith

In 1990, Bernie Sanders' bid to become a US Representative benefitted from the National Rifle Association of America opposing the campaign of Peter Smith due to Smith's reversed stance on firearm restrictions and waiting periods for handgun purchases.

1991: Co-founds Congressional Progressive Caucus

In 1991, Bernie Sanders co-founded the Congressional Progressive Caucus, a group of mostly liberal Democrats, and chaired it for its first eight years.

1991: Votes against use of force against Iraq

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

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

In 1991, Bernie Sanders was elected to the US House of Representatives, becoming the first independent elected since 1952 and the first socialist elected since 1948.

February 7, 1992: Sponsors 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, due to his concern about high breast cancer rates in Vermont.

October 2, 1992: Senate 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, President George H. W. Bush signed the Cancer Registries Amendment Act into law, after it was passed by the House on October 6 and the Senate bill was passed.

1993: Votes against the Brady Bill

In 1993, Bernie Sanders voted against the Brady Bill, which mandated federal background checks for gun purchases and imposed a waiting period. He explained that his Vermont constituents saw waiting-period mandates as more appropriately a state matter. The bill passed with a vote of 238-187.

1993: Voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

In 1993, while a US representative, Bernie Sanders voted against the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, which established background checks and wait periods for gun purchases.

1994: Wins reelection by 3%

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

1994: Votes for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act

In 1994, Bernie Sanders voted for the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act because it included the Violence Against Women Act and a ban on certain assault weapons. While critical of other parts of the bill, he acknowledged the need to protect society from violent individuals but also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of violence.

1995: Congress under Republican control

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

1996: Votes against bill prohibiting police from purchasing tanks

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

1996: Voted against funding for CDC research on firearms

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

1998: Votes for bill increasing minimum sentencing for gun possession

In 1998, Bernie 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: Acting 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: Votes against rolling back Glass–Steagall legislation

In 1999, Bernie 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 with China

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

2001: Votes for Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists

In 2001, Bernie Sanders voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists that has been cited as the legal justification for controversial military actions since the September 11 attacks.

2002: Votes against use of force against Iraq

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

June 2003: Criticizes Alan Greenspan

In June 2003, Bernie Sanders criticized Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan during a question-and-answer discussion, stating that he was concerned that Greenspan was "way out of touch" and representing the wealthy and large corporations.

2003: Opposes the invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Bernie Sanders opposed the invasion of Iraq, especially the Bush administration's decision to start a war unilaterally.

February 2005: Introduces bill to withdraw normal trade relations status with China

In February 2005, Bernie Sanders introduced a bill that would have withdrawn the permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status that had been extended to China in October 2000, citing the loss of American jobs.

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

On April 21, 2005, Bernie Sanders entered the race for the U.S. Senate after Senator Jim Jeffords announced his retirement.

May 2005: Endorsements from Democratic leaders

In May 2005, Bernie Sanders received endorsements from Senate minority leader Harry Reid and Democratic National Committee chair Howard Dean, who considered Sanders an ally who "votes with the Democrats 98% of the time."

June 2005: Proposes 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. The amendment passed the House but was later removed in House–Senate negotiations.

2005: Voted for legislation giving gun manufacturers legal immunity

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

2005: Votes 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 and dealers from being held liable for negligence when crimes are committed with their products.

2005: Named the "amendment king" by Rolling Stone

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

March 2006: Barack Obama campaigns for Sanders

In March 2006, then-Senator Barack Obama campaigned for Bernie Sanders in Vermont. Sanders entered into an agreement with the Democratic Party to be listed in their primary but to decline the nomination should he win.

2006: First ran for US Senate

In 2006, Bernie Sanders first ran for the US Senate, often adopting a strategy of winning the Democratic Party primary, thereby eliminating Democratic challengers, and then running as an independent in the general election.

2007: Becomes a senator

In 2007, Bernie Sanders became a senator after serving as a representative from 1991.

2007: Caucusing with Democrats

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

2007: Opposition to 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.

2008: Votes against Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP)

In 2008, Bernie Sanders voted against the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), designed to purchase toxic banking assets and provide loans to struggling banks.

February 4, 2009: Sponsors amendment to ensure TARP funds do not displace US workers

On February 4, 2009, Bernie Sanders sponsored an amendment to ensure that TARP funds would not displace US 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, Sanders successfully added a provision to the Affordable Care Act to fund $11 billion to community health centers, especially those in rural areas.

2009: Supported legalizing same-sex marriage in Vermont

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

December 10, 2010: Delivers speech against Tax Relief Act

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, arguing it would favor the wealthiest Americans.

2010: Support for 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: Publishes speech as 'The Speech'

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, with authorial proceeds going to Vermont nonprofit charitable organizations.

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

Check it on Amazon

August 2011: High Approval Rating

In August 2011, a poll found that Sanders's approval rating was 67% and his disapproval rating 28%, making him then the third-most popular US senator.

2011: Consideration of Primary Challenge

In 2011, Sanders suggested it was "a good idea" for someone to challenge Obama in the primaries.

2012: Reelected to the Senate

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

2012: Consideration of Primary Challenge

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

November 2013: Suggestion of Elizabeth Warren for 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 ranked one of America's most livable cities

As of 2013, Burlington was regarded as one of the most livable cities in the United States, a testament to Sanders's work as mayor.

2013: Larry Sanders retired from Oxfordshire County Council

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

2013: Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

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 chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs during the Veterans Health Administration scandal.

2013: Reauthorization of 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 Meals on Wheels and other programs for seniors.

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

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: Passage of Veterans' Access to Care Act

On July 31, 2014, Sanders' Veterans' Access to Care Act was incorporated into the House version of the bill, and 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 of 2014, which incorporated Sanders' bill, 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: Senator Ranking

Sanders ranked third most popular senator in 2014.

April 30, 2015: Presidential Campaign Announcement

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

May 2015: DNC announces debate schedule

In May 2015, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced a schedule of six debates, which drew criticism for its limited number of debates and timing, with some alleging it was designed to protect Hillary Clinton.

June 2015: Campaign events draw overflow crowds

In June 2015, Bernie Sanders's campaign events began to draw unexpectedly large crowds across the country, marking a significant surge in his campaign's visibility and support.

July 1, 2015: Campaign stop in Madison, Wisconsin

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

July 29, 2015: Online Organized Meetup

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

September 2015: NYT coverage of Sanders campaign criticized

In September 2015, The New York Times's ombudsman reviewed the paper's coverage of the Sanders campaign and found it "hasn't always taken it very seriously", noting a dismissive tone and less coverage compared to Trump's campaign.

October 2015: Remarks on Religion and Belief in God

In October 2015, on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bernie Sanders discussed his religious views, describing himself as "not particularly religious" but believing in God in his own way, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life.

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

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

November 2015: Sanders speaks about democratic socialism at Georgetown University

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

November 2015: Most Popular US Senator

In a November 2015 Morning Consult poll, Sanders reached an 83% approval rating among his constituents, making him the most popular US senator.

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

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

December 2015: Report finds major networks favored Trump coverage

A December 2015 report revealed that major networks like CBS, NBC, and ABC devoted significantly more airtime to covering Trump than Sanders, despite their comparable polling results.

2015: Attended Tashlikh Atonement Ceremony

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

2015: Larry Sanders ran in the British general election

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

2015: Ranking Minority Member on Senate Budget Committee

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

2015: Sanders receives more media coverage than polling would indicate

In 2015, a study found that Sanders received media coverage that far exceeded his standing in the polls, but in 2016, media coverage was consistent with his polling performance. Additionally, the tone of media coverage for Sanders was more favorable than other candidates.

January 2016: $20 Million Raised in January

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

February 6, 2016: Guest Appearance on Saturday Night Live

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

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February 2016: Campaigns agree to additional debates

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

March 2016: Sanders speech not broadcast during Super Tuesday III

On March 15, 2016, during Super Tuesday III, major news outlets broadcast the speeches of Trump, Clinton, Rubio, and Cruz, but omitted Sanders's rally speech in Phoenix, despite it being larger than the others. Meanwhile, other media promoted the narrative that the contest between Sanders and Clinton was "heating up".

March 17, 2016: Sanders on Merrick Garland's Nomination

On March 17, 2016, Sanders said he would support Merrick Garland's nomination to the Supreme Court, though he added, "there are some more progressive judges out there."

March 20, 2016: Honorary Lushootseed Name

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

April 2016: Speaking at Vatican Conference and Meeting with Pope Francis

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

April 2016: Formation of Brand New Congress

In April 2016, former Sanders campaign staffers formed Brand New Congress, a political organization aiming 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. The poll also indicated that Sanders had a more favorable rating among voters compared to Clinton and Trump.

July 12, 2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

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

July 2016: DNC Emails Leaked

In July 2016 some of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) emails leaked to the public showed that the committee leadership had favored Clinton over him and had worked to help Clinton win the nomination.

July 2016: Democratic platform draft called "a monument to his campaign"

In July 2016, a Slate article called the Democratic platform draft "a monument to his campaign," highlighting his impact on issues such as minimum wage, Social Security, carbon tax, Wall Street reform, the death penalty, and marijuana legalization.

July 2016: DNC emails leak, revealing favoritism towards Clinton

In July 2016, a leak of Democratic National Committee's emails showed DNC officials favoring Clinton over Sanders, with discussions about using Sanders's irreligious views as a campaign issue.

August 2016: Formation of Our Revolution

In August 2016, Sanders formed Our Revolution, a political organization dedicated to educating voters, promoting political engagement, and electing progressive candidates at various levels of government.

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

In November 2016, Sanders's book "Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In" was released and quickly became a bestseller.

Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In

Check it on Amazon

2016: Suggested reforms for the Democratic Party after Trump's victory

After Trump's victory in the 2016 elections, Bernie Sanders suggested the Democratic Party undergo a series of reforms and that it "break loose from its corporate establishment ties and, once again, become a grass-roots party of working people, the elderly and the poor."

2016: Endorses Hillary Clinton

After the final primary election in 2016, Hillary Clinton became the presumptive Democratic nominee. On July 12, Bernie Sanders formally endorsed Clinton but refused to formally concede before the convention. He spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 25, during which he gave Clinton his full support.

2016: Changes position on Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act

As of 2016, Bernie Sanders stated that he has since changed his position on the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and would vote for legislation to defeat the bill.

2016: Rise of Internet Memes

During the 2016 Democratic primary, the Facebook group Bernie Sanders' Dank Meme Stash gained attention for its meme community focused on Sanders.

2016: Called for increased CDC funding for gun violence study

In 2016, Bernie Sanders called for an increase in CDC funding for the study of gun violence.

2016: Sanders Discusses His Upbringing as an American Jew

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

2016: Disclosure of Strong Religious and Spiritual Feelings

In 2016, Bernie Sanders disclosed that he had "very strong religious and spiritual feelings," linking his spirituality to the well-being of others, such as hungry children and homeless veterans.

2016: Votes for the Federal Reserve Transparency Act

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

2016: Sanders coverage consistent with polling

In 2016, a study concluded that the amount of media coverage Sanders received was largely consistent with his polling performance.

2016: Sanders Mentioned Hillary Clinton's Popular Vote Win

In 2016, after a CNN debate, Bernie Sanders noted that Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in the popular vote. This comment was made in response to a question about whether he believed a woman could win the presidency.

2016: Expressed concern over Russian interference in US elections

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

2016: Most Popular US Senator

Sanders ranked as the most popular senator in 2016.

2016: Announcements suggested running as a Democrat

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

February 2017: Launch of "The Bernie Sanders Show"

In February 2017, Bernie Sanders launched "The Bernie Sanders Show", a webcasting program on Facebook live streaming, expanding his reach through digital media.

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March 2017: Highest Net Favorability

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: Guests on "The Bernie Sanders Show"

As of April 2, 2017, "The Bernie Sanders Show" featured prominent guests such as William Barber, Josh Fox, Jane Mayer, and Bill Nye.

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April 2017: Minimum Wage Bill Introduction

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

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

May 4, 2017: Prediction on Affordable Care Act Repeal

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

May 30, 2017: Honorary Degree from Brooklyn College

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

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

On June 12, 2017, Bernie Sanders, along with Rand Paul, voted against legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran. He supported the sanctions on Russia but opposed the bill because he believed the sanctions could endanger the Iran nuclear deal.

September 2017: Sanders lays out foreign policy plan

In September 2017, Bernie Sanders laid out a foreign policy plan for greater international collaboration, adherence to US-led international agreements and promoting human rights and democratic ideals, in a speech given at Westminster College. He emphasized the consequences associated with global economic inequality and climate change and urged reining in the use of US military power.

September 2017: Medicare for All Bill Submission

In September 2017, Sanders, along with 15 Senate co-sponsors, submitted the Medicare for All bill, a single-payer healthcare plan covering vision and dental care, unlike Medicare.

October 2017: Planned to run for reelection as an independent

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

November 2017: Call to End Global Oligarchy

After the November 2017 revelations from the Paradise Papers, Sanders stated that "we must end global oligarchy" and called for a fair, progressive, and transparent tax system.

2017: Drew parallels between his campaign and the Labour Party in the UK

In 2017, Bernie Sanders drew parallels between his campaign and that of the Labour Party in the 2017 UK general election.

2017: Promised to defeat "Trump and Trumpism"

In 2017, Bernie Sanders promised to defeat "Trump and Trumpism and the Republican right-wing ideology".

2017: Criticized Republican tax cuts passed through reconciliation

In March 11, 2021, Bernie 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 the Senate Democratic Outreach Committee

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

January 2018: Criticized Trump in response to State of the Union Address

In January 2018, Bernie 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 aided Sanders

In February 2018, Robert Mueller's investigation found that Russians spread false information to help Sanders and Stein in the 2016 elections, a conclusion Sanders rejected. Sanders questioned the Clinton campaign's inaction on Russian interference.

April 2018: Opinion article suggests Sanders was right

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

May 9, 2018: Workplace Democracy Act Introduction

On May 9, 2018, Sanders introduced the Workplace Democracy Act, a bill that would expand labor rights by making it easier for workers to join a union, ban right-to-work laws, and outlaw some union-busting tactics.

September 5, 2018: Introduction of 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: Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi

In October 2018, following the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, Sanders' bill to end US support for the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen attracted bipartisan support after intelligence agencies determined Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered the assassination.

November 2018: Launch of Progressive International

In November 2018, the Sanders Institute and Yanis Varoufakis launched Progressive International, an organization uniting progressive activists to transform the global order.

2018: Reelected to the Senate

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

2018: Opposition to Trump Administration Budget

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

2018: Ran for reelection as an independent

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

February 2019: Yemen War Powers Resolution Passed by the House

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

February 19, 2019: Announces candidacy for 2020 presidential nomination

On February 19, 2019, Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination.

March 5, 2019: 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 committing to serve as a Democrat if elected.

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

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

April 6, 2019: Sanders Participates in Fox News Town Hall

On April 6, 2019, Bernie Sanders participated in a Fox News town hall. It attracted over 2.55 million viewers. The appearance increased Fox News viewers by 24% overall and 40% in the 25-to-54-year-old demographic, surpassing the ratings of all other Democratic presidential candidate town halls that year.

May 1, 2019: Sanders criticizes China trade deal

On May 1, 2019, Sanders tweeted that America has lost over three million manufacturing jobs since the China trade deal. Sanders stated his opposition to the trade deal, and stated that China is one of America's major economic competitors.

June 2019: Sanders campaign raises the most money

As of June 2019, the Sanders campaign had raised the most money in the 2020 Democratic field, including funds from his 2018 Senate and 2016 presidential races.

August 6, 2019: Sanders appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience

On August 6, 2019, Bernie Sanders appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Joe Rogan later said he would "100% vote for him."

August 2019: Sanders' media mentions

In August 2019, Bernie Sanders received the third-most mentions on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, according to a RealClearPolitics analysis. He trailed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, with Biden receiving twice as many mentions. On ABC World News Tonight, Sanders was second, also trailing Biden. Online mentions showed a more balanced picture, with Sanders and Elizabeth Warren running "neck-and-neck" with Biden.

September 2019: Polling between 15% and 20%

Between May and September 2019, Sanders polled between 15% and 20% on most national surveys, placing him second behind Joe Biden until Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris caught up.

September 2019: Campaign reaches one million donors

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

October 1, 2019: 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.

December 2019: Physicians Declare Sanders Healthy

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

2019: Sanders supports Green New Deal

In 2019, 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.

February 2020: Sanders polls in first place

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 campaign

On April 8, 2020, Bernie Sanders announced that he was suspending his campaign. He stated that he would remain on the ballot in the remaining states to influence the Democratic Party's platform.

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, and a video of the Twitch streamer Neekolul wearing a Bernie 2020 shirt and lip-syncing the song "Oki Doki Boomer" also went viral.

2020: Voted to convict Trump in first impeachment trial

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

2020: Sanders proposes worker ownership in corporations

In 2020, during his presidential run, Sanders proposed that 20% of stocks in corporations with over $100 million in annual revenue be owned by the corporation's workers. He also proposed 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: DNC debates schedule

In 2020, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) held six official DNC-sanctioned debates during the first four months of the year.

January 6, 2021: Commented on the attack on the United States Capitol

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

February 23, 2021: Opposed Biden's cabinet pick of Tom Vilsack

On February 23, 2021, Bernie 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: Supported passage of the American Rescue Plan Act

On March 11, 2021, Bernie 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.

2021: 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, which focused on inciting the Capitol attack.

2021: Chair of the Senate Budget Committee

In 2021, Sanders became the chair of the Senate Budget Committee.

2021: Inauguration Mittens Meme

In 2021, a frame from the inauguration of Joe Biden showing Sanders seated in a folding chair wearing patterned mittens and a jacket went viral, with the image captioned or edited into various images.

August 2022: Votes for Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

In August 2022, Bernie Sanders voted for the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. While not fully satisfied, he acknowledged it as a small step forward. The Act capped insulin costs for seniors on Medicare at $35 a month and allowed Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices.

2022: Called the midterm election consequential

Before the 2022 midterm election, Bernie Sanders said he regarded it as deciding the fate of democracy, abortion, and climate change, calling it "the most consequential midterm election" of modern US history.

2022: Signed letters to support California Proposition 12

In 2022, Bernie Sanders signed letters to Vilsack and Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, asking them to support the California farm animal welfare law Proposition 12 against a challenge to the law the National Pork Producers Council filed before the Supreme Court.

2022: Malloy ran against Peter Welch

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

2022: Sanders voted to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson

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

2022: Sanders pushes for unionization support within the Democratic Party

In 2022, ahead of the midterms, Bernie Sanders advocated for the Democratic Party to prioritize supporting unionization. He proposed a system where a simple majority vote (50% plus one) in a bargaining unit would automatically form a union.

April 2023: Endorsed Joe Biden in the 2024 election

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

May 6, 2024: Announces candidacy for fourth Senate term

On May 6, 2024, Bernie Sanders announced his candidacy for a fourth Senate term. A prior poll indicated that more than half of respondents wanted him to seek reelection. He has said that this term will likely be his last.

November 2024: Joint Resolution of Disapproval Gains Support

In November 2024, Sanders introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block arms to Israel which garnered support from 18 senators.

2024: Released statement blaming the Democratic Party after Trump's reelection

After Trump's reelection in 2024, Bernie Sanders released a statement blaming the Democratic Party's abandonment of "working-class people" for its defeat.

2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris for president

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

2024: Signed paperwork to run as an independent for reelection to the Senate

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

February 2025: Began the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour" with Ocasio-Cortez

In February 2025, Bernie Sanders began the "Fighting Oligarchy Tour", in which he and Ocasio-Cortez held rallies criticizing Trump's policies and economic inequality.

March 2025: Sanders' views on Biden and Trump immigration policies

In a March 2025 interview, Sanders admitted that Biden failed to properly curb illegal immigration and commended Trump for strengthening border immigration policies, while also criticizing mass deportations and calling for comprehensive immigration reform.

April 2025: Criticized the Trump administration

In April 2025, Bernie Sanders criticized the administration, saying that it's moving “rapidly toward oligarchy”, he also called US a "pseudo-democracy".

April 2025: Joint Resolution of Disapproval Gains Support

In April 2025, Sanders introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block arms to Israel, which garnered support from 15 senators.

June 2025: Endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor

Also in June 2025, Bernie Sanders endorsed progressive politician and DSA member Zohran Mamdani for the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary, calling him "best choice" for mayor.

June 2025: Reacted to Trump's bombing of Iranian nuclear sites

In June 2025, Bernie Sanders reacted to news of Trump's bombing of Iranian nuclear sites by saying: "The American people are being lied to again today. We cannot allow history to repeat itself".

July 2025: Joint Resolution of Disapproval Gains Majority Support

In July 2025, Sanders introduced a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block arms to Israel, which garnered support from 27 senators, a majority of Senate Democrats.

September 15, 2025: Accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza

On September 15, 2025, Bernie Sanders said that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, becoming the first US senator to make such comment.

September 2025: Criticized Democratic Party officials for lack of support for Mamdani

In September 2025, Bernie Sanders criticized Democratic Party officials for their perceived refusal to support Mamdani after his victory in the New York City mayoral primary.