Bernie Sanders

Bernard "Bernie" Sanders is the senior United States Senator from the state of Vermont. He was elected to the position on November 7, 2006, and is currently serving in his second term. Prior to his election to the Senate, Sanders represented Vermont's at-large district in the House of Representatives for 16 years. He also served as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont from 1981 through 1989.

Sanders' political career began in the 1970s, when he ran unsuccessfully for governor and U.S. senator in Vermont. He was eventually elected as mayor of Burlington in 1981, where he served for eight years before running for and being elected to the House of Representatives in 1991. During his time in the House, Sanders was known for his progressive political views and his advocacy for issues such as income inequality and universal healthcare. He was an independent representative, but caucused with the Democratic Party.

In 2015, Sanders announced that he would be running for President of the United States as a Democratic candidate. He ran on a platform that included issues such as raising the minimum wage, making public colleges and universities tuition-free, and addressing climate change. Although he did not win the Democratic nomination, Sanders' campaign was notable for his strong performance in the primaries and caucuses, particularly among young voters.

Sanders was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1941 and attended the University of Chicago. He has been married to his wife, Jane, since 1988 and they have four children and seven grandchildren together. They currently reside in Burlington, Vermont. Sanders is the longest-serving independent in the history of the Congress.