Bernie Sanders is an American politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from Vermont since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is the longest-serving independent in U.S. congressional history. Sanders ran for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2016 and 2020, both times finishing as runner-up. He is a self-described democratic socialist and has advocated for social democratic policies throughout his career. Sanders is a vocal critic of economic inequality and the influence of corporate money in politics. He has also been a strong advocate for environmental protection and progressive social policies. Sanders has been a leader in the fight for universal healthcare, tuition-free college, and a living wage. He is a passionate advocate for the working class and has been a champion of progressive causes for decades.