Michael Farrand Bennet is an American attorney, businessman, and politician who has been serving as the senior United States senator from Colorado since 2009. A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed to the Senate seat following Ken Salazar's appointment as Secretary of the Interior. Prior to his tenure in the Senate, Bennet held positions as managing director for the Anschutz Investment Company, chief of staff to Denver mayor John Hickenlooper, and superintendent of Denver Public Schools.
1938: Birth of Susanne Christine Bennet
Susanne Christine Bennet (née Klejman), Michael Bennet's mother, was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1938.
1950: Immigration to the United States
Susanne Christine Bennet, along with her family, immigrated to the United States in 1950 after surviving the Holocaust.
November 28, 1964: Birth of Michael Bennet
Michael Farrand Bennet was born on November 28, 1964, in New Delhi, India.
1983: Douglas Bennet's Tenure as NPR President and CEO
From 1983 to 1993, Michael Bennet's father, Douglas Bennet, held the positions of president and CEO of National Public Radio (NPR).
1987: Graduation from Wesleyan University
Michael Bennet graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history from Wesleyan University in 1987.
1988: Aide to Ohio Governor Richard Celeste
Michael Bennet worked as an aide to Ohio governor Richard Celeste from 1988 to 1990 before attending Yale Law School.
1990: Attending Yale Law School
In 1990, Michael Bennet left his position as an aide to attend Yale Law School.
1993: Douglas Bennet's Role in the Clinton Administration
Douglas Bennet, Michael Bennet's father, served as the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs during the Clinton administration from 1993 to 1995.
1993: Graduation from Yale Law School
In 1993, Michael Bennet earned his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School, where he was the editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal.
1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 was enacted, significantly impacting immigration laws and enforcement.
October 26, 1997: Bennet Marries Susan Daggett
On October 26, 1997, Bennet married Susan Diane Daggett, an attorney with the Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, in Marianna, Arkansas.
2003: Chief of Staff to Denver Mayor
From 2003 to 2005, Michael Bennet served as the chief of staff to then Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.
June 27, 2005: Selection as Superintendent of Denver Public Schools
The Denver Board of Education selected Michael Bennet as the superintendent of Denver Public Schools on June 27, 2005.
July 2005: Superintendent of Denver Public Schools
Michael Bennet became the superintendent of the Denver public school system in July 2005.
2008: Denver Public Schools Bond Transaction
In 2008, Michael Bennet persuaded the Denver Board of Education to engage in a 30-year, $750 million financial bond transaction with variable interest rates.
2008: Support for Obama's Presidential Campaign
Michael Bennet and his wife were early supporters of Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries.
January 3, 2009: Nomination to the U.S. Senate
On January 3, 2009, Colorado governor Bill Ritter nominated Michael Bennet to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat.
January 2009: Appointment to the U.S. Senate
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter appointed Michael Bennet to the U.S. Senate in January 2009, filling the vacancy left by Ken Salazar.
January 21, 2009: Assumption of Office in the U.S. Senate
Michael Bennet officially assumed office as a U.S. Senator on January 21, 2009.
September 2009: Cosponsoring the DREAM Act
In September 2009, Bennet demonstrated his support for immigration reform by cosponsoring the DREAM Act, aiming to provide a pathway to residency for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
September 16, 2009: Andrew Romanoff Announces Senate Candidacy
On September 16, 2009, former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff declared his intention to challenge Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.
November 2009: Support for Healthcare Reform
In November 2009, Bennet expressed unwavering support for healthcare reform, even if it meant jeopardizing his re-election.
2009: Appointment to the U.S. Senate
In 2009, Michael Bennet was appointed to the United States Senate to fill the seat vacated by Ken Salazar, who became the Secretary of the Interior.
2009: Cosponsorship of the Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act
Demonstrating his commitment to renewable energy, Bennet cosponsored the Solar Manufacturing Jobs Creation Act in 2009, though the legislation was ultimately unsuccessful.
March 23, 2010: Support for Affordable Care Act
Bennet voted in favor of the Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, demonstrating his support for healthcare reform.
August 10, 2010: Victory in the Democratic Primary
Michael Bennet emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate on August 10, 2010, defeating Andrew Romanoff.
2010: Financial Challenges with Bond Transaction
By 2010, the Denver Public School system had incurred $115 million in interest and fees due to the 2008 bond transaction, exceeding initial projections by at least $25 million.
2010: NRA Grade and Gun Control Stance
In 2010, Bennet received a "C+" grade from the NRA, reflecting a more moderate stance on gun control at the time.
2010: Running for a Full Senate Term
In the 2010 election, Michael Bennet campaigned for a full term as a U.S. Senator from Colorado.
2010: Decision to Seek Election
Upon his appointment, Michael Bennet declared his intention to run for election for a full Senate term in 2010.
January 2011: Recognition for Education Policy Influence
An article in Time magazine in January 2011 acknowledged Michael Bennet's potential influence on education policy at the federal level.
January 2011: Start of Full Senate Term
In January 2011, Michael Bennet returned to Washington, D.C. to begin his full six-year term as a Senator after winning the election.
2012: Opposition to Colorado's Amendment 64
In contrast to his later stance, Bennet opposed Colorado's Amendment 64 in 2012, which aimed to legalize recreational cannabis in the state.
2012: Call for Stricter Gun Control
Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, Bennet joined Senator Mark Udall in calling for stricter gun control measures while acknowledging the importance of the Second Amendment.
2012: Chris Murphy Gun Control Filibuster and Aurora Shooting Response
Bennet participated in Chris Murphy's gun control filibuster after the Orlando nightclub shooting, highlighting Colorado's response to the 2012 Aurora shooting, which involved closing gun sale loopholes and implementing universal background checks.
2013: Gang of Eight and Immigration Reform Bill
Bennet joined the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" in 2013 to introduce comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Despite passing the Senate, the bill faced opposition in the House.
2013: Support for Keystone XL Pipeline
Breaking from some in his party, Bennet supported the construction of the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, voting in favor of it in 2013.
2013: Votes on Gun Control Measures
In 2013, Bennet voted against an amendment to reinstate the federal assault weapons ban. However, he voted in favor of strengthening the background check system and banning high-capacity magazines, demonstrating a nuanced stance on gun control.
2014: Support for Keystone XL Pipeline
Bennet maintained his support for the Keystone XL pipeline in 2014, voting in favor of it once again.
2014: Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
In 2014, Michael Bennet chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).
2015: Support for Clean Power Plan
Bennet's actions in 2017 suggest he supported the Clean Power Plan implemented in 2015, as he questioned its repeal by the Trump administration.
2015: Support for Keystone XL Pipeline
Bennet's support for the Keystone XL pipeline continued in 2015, as he voted in favor of it for the third consecutive year.
2015: Bennet Praises Supreme Court Decision on Same-Sex Marriage
In 2015, Bennet applauded the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. He expressed his support for marriage equality, stating that it is a fundamental right for all couples.
November 8, 2016: Re-election to Second Senate Term
Michael Bennet was re-elected to his second term in the Senate on November 8, 2016, defeating Republican candidate Darryl Glenn.
2016: Concerns about Healthcare Costs and ACA
In 2016, Bennet acknowledged the challenges posed by high healthcare costs in Colorado and expressed concerns about the difficulty of fixing the Affordable Care Act due to partisan gridlock.
2016: Re-election to the U.S. Senate
Michael Bennet was re-elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016.
July 2017: Cosponsorship of the Israel Anti-Boycott Act
In July 2017, Bennet lent his support to the controversial Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which allows U.S. states to require contractors to pledge not to boycott Israeli goods or face contract termination.
October 2017: Questioning of EPA Administrator's Decision to Repeal Clean Power Plan
In October 2017, Bennet joined 18 fellow senators in expressing concern over EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's decision to repeal the Clean Power Plan, alleging that the decision was based on misleading data and urging the EPA to address climate change.
2017: Response to Las Vegas Shooting
Following the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, Bennet called for universal background checks on gun sales and classified the incident as domestic terrorism.
2017: Cosponsoring the Dream Act and Response to DACA Repeal
Bennet continued his support for Dreamers in 2017 by cosponsoring the Dream Act. Following the Trump administration's decision to end DACA, Bennet actively worked on bipartisan solutions to protect Dreamers and provide a pathway to citizenship.
March 2018: Vote Against Resolution on Withdrawing Troops from Yemen
Bennet voted against a Senate resolution in March 2018 that called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Yemen within 30 days unless they were directly fighting Al-Qaeda.
August 2018: Letter to Kirstjen Nielsen on Family Reunification
In August 2018, Bennet joined 16 senators in urging the Trump administration to prioritize reuniting migrant children separated from their families at the border, emphasizing the traumatic impact of family separation.
November 2018: Letter to Trump Administration on China's Influence
In November 2018, Bennet, along with Senators Chris Coons, Elizabeth Warren and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, sent a letter to the Trump administration expressing concerns about China's influence on U.S. media and academic institutions.
November 2018: Cosponsorship of Resolution Addressing Climate Change
In November 2018, Bennet joined 24 other Democratic senators in sponsoring a resolution acknowledging the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report and the National Climate Assessment and calling for significant measures to address climate change.
2018: Central America Aid Debate
In 2018, the debate regarding U.S. foreign aid to Central America took place, with some arguing for its continuation to improve conditions and reduce migration, while others, including the Trump administration, considered cutting it.
2018: Government Shutdown and FDA Concerns
In 2018, a government shutdown occurred, raising concerns about its impact on the FDA's ability to ensure public health and the safety of food and medical products.
2018: Government Shutdown
In 2018, a government shutdown occurred, leading to debates and discussions about its impact on various sectors, including the lives of first responders.
2018: Criticism of Trump Administration on Marijuana Data
Bennet publicly criticized the Trump administration in 2018 for allegedly manipulating data to mislead the public on marijuana use, leading to the White House's Office of National Drug Control Policy pledging objectivity in its marijuana analysis.
2018: Cosponsorship of the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act
Bennet further solidified his support for federal cannabis legalization in 2018 by cosponsoring the Marijuana Freedom and Opportunity Act.
January 2019: Bennet's Viral Response to Senator Ted Cruz Sparks Presidential Speculation
In January 2019, Bennet's response to Senator Ted Cruz went viral, leading to speculation about a potential presidential run.
January 2019: Letter to FDA on Government Shutdown
During the 2018-2019 government shutdown, Bennet joined 34 senators in expressing concerns to the FDA about the shutdown's impact on public health and employee well-being.
January 24, 2019: Senate Floor Speech on Government Shutdown
On January 24, 2019, Bennet delivered a 25-minute speech on the Senate floor criticizing Senator Ted Cruz's stance on the government shutdown, questioning his sincerity in expressing concern for first responders impacted by it. This speech became highly popular, garnering significant viewership.
March 2019: Bennet Expresses Strong Interest in Presidential Run After Visiting Early Primary States
In March 2019, after visiting early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire, Bennet expressed he was "very inclined" to run for president.
March 2019: Cosponsorship of Bill Addressing Hazardous Substances
Bennet was an original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill in March 2019 that sought to classify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous, enabling the EPA to utilize Superfund law funds for cleanup and holding polluters accountable for remediation.
March 2019: Letter of Support for Dairy Farmers
In March 2019, Bennet joined 37 other senators in signing a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture expressing concern for the plight of dairy farmers facing market instability and urging the department to encourage farmers to consider the Dairy Margin Coverage program.
April 3, 2019: Bennet Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and Undergoes Successful Surgery
On April 3, 2019, Bennet announced his diagnosis with prostate cancer and underwent surgery later that month. His office reported a "completely successful" procedure requiring no further treatment.
April 2019: Advocacy for Carbon Capture Funding
Bennet joined a bipartisan group of 12 senators in April 2019 to advocate for increased funding for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) research and development within the Energy Department. They argued for the job creation potential of CCUS and opposed President Trump's proposed budget cuts to related programs.
April 2019: Letter to Trump on Central America Aid
In April 2019, Bennet joined 34 senators in signing a letter urging Trump to reconsider cutting aid to Central America, arguing that it would negatively impact national security and worsen conditions in those countries, ultimately leading to increased migration to the U.S.
April 2019: ACE Kids Act Signed into Law
In April 2019, the Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act, co-sponsored by Bennet and Senator Chuck Grassley, became law. This legislation aimed to improve care coordination for children with complex medical needs.
May 2, 2019: Presidential Candidacy Announcement
On May 2, 2019, Michael Bennet announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States.
June 2019: Investigation into Treatment of Migrant Children
In June 2019, Bennet, along with six other senators, initiated an investigation into the treatment of migrant children in government facilities, expressing concern over potential legal and contractual violations.
July 2019: Bennet Supports Protecting Sensitive Locations from ICE Enforcement Actions
In July 2019, Bennet joined Senator Markey and 15 other Senate Democrats in introducing the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. This act aimed to regulate Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement actions at sensitive locations, such as schools and hospitals, requiring supervisor approval and annual training for agents.
July 2019: Bennet Joins Senators in Opposing Deportation Protection Termination for Military Families
In July 2019, Bennet joined 22 senators led by Tammy Duckworth in signing a letter opposing the Trump administration's plan to end deportation protection for families of active-duty service members. The senators argued that this protection is crucial for military families and that ending it would harm both service members and their combat performance.
September 2019: Request for Funding of the Land and Water Conservation Act
Highlighting his commitment to conservation, Bennet joined seven other senators in September 2019 to urge congressional leadership to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Act, emphasizing the benefits for national parks, public lands, and the outdoor recreation economy.
December 2019: Proposal for a Child Allowance
Bennet, alongside Senator Mitt Romney, put forth a proposal for a child allowance in December 2019.
2019: Cosponsorship of the Marijuana Justice Act
Continuing his push for cannabis reform, Bennet cosponsored the Marijuana Justice Act in 2019, a bill aiming to decriminalize cannabis at the federal level.
2019: Bennet's Net Worth Reported at $15 Million by Forbes
In 2019, Forbes Magazine reported Bennet's net worth to be $15 million.
2019: Medicare X Proposal
Bennet and Senator Tim Kaine put forward "Medicare X," a proposal aiming to expand healthcare coverage through a public option alongside private options on the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. This proposal reflects a more incremental approach compared to "Medicare for All."
2019: Cosponsorship of the SAFE Banking Act
Bennet showed his support for the cannabis industry in 2019 by cosponsoring the SAFE Banking Act, aiming to provide marijuana-related businesses access to banking services.
February 11, 2020: Withdrawal from Presidential Race
After a disappointing performance in the New Hampshire primary, Michael Bennet ended his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination on February 11, 2020.
2020: Disagreement with Trump's Budget Proposal on Carbon Capture Research
Bennet's April 2019 actions indicate his disagreement with President Trump's 2020 budget proposal to consolidate federal funding for carbon capture research.
2020: American Conservative Union Rating
In 2020, the American Conservative Union gave Bennet a 6% lifetime conservative rating, reflecting his largely liberal stance.
2020: Bennet Officially Launches 2020 Presidential Campaign
On May 2, 2019, Bennet officially announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election during an appearance on CBS This Morning.
February 2021: Blocking of Hydraulic Fracturing Ban
In February 2021, Bennet was one of seven Democrats to side with Republicans in blocking a proposed ban on hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.
2021: Call for Invocation of the Twenty-fifth Amendment
Following the January 6th Capitol storming, Bennet called for the use of the Twenty-fifth Amendment to remove then-President Trump from office.
June 2022: Response to the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Bennet, a supporter of abortion rights, criticized the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, calling it an "activist decision" that "demolished fifty years of precedent".
2022: NRA Grade and Gun Control Stance
As of 2022, Bennet received an "F" grade from the NRA, indicating a strong stance on gun control.
2022: Re-election to Third Senate Term
In 2022, Bennet secured a third term in the Senate by defeating Republican nominee Joe O'Dea.
2022: Re-election to the U.S. Senate
Michael Bennet secured another re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2022.