- **Born:** September 8, 1941 in Brooklyn, [[New York]] - **Parents:** Elias Ben Yehuda Sanders (paint salesman) and Dorothy Sanders - **Spouse:** Jane O'Meara Sanders (second wife); previously married to Deborah Shiling - **Children:** One son, Levi Sanders, and three stepchildren - **Died:** Still living - **Highest Office:** U.S. Senator from [[Vermont]] (2007-present) - **Other Notable Positions:** U.S. Representative from Vermont, Mayor of Burlington, [[Vermont]] - **Party Affiliation:** Independent (caucuses with Democrats), Democratic Socialist - **Historical Note:** Longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history and prominent progressive leader. Ran influential presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020 that shifted Democratic Party discourse leftward on issues like Medicare for All, free college tuition, and wealth inequality. Known for his consistency on progressive issues throughout his decades-long career.