New Book Explores Bernie Sanders' Time as Burlington Mayor

In 'Bernie for Burlington,' Dan Chiasson chronicles Sanders' transformation of the city during the 1980s.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Dan Chiasson's new book 'Bernie for Burlington' delves into Bernie Sanders' eight-year tenure as mayor of Burlington, Vermont in the 1980s. The book explores how Sanders, as a self-described democratic socialist, worked to reshape the city's politics and institutions during his time in office. While Chiasson's affection for his subject is evident, the book has been criticized for at times turning history into a 'sales pitch' for Sanders and his political legacy.

Why it matters

Sanders' time as mayor of Burlington is seen as a formative period that helped shape his political views and approach. The book provides insight into how Sanders sought to put his progressive ideals into practice at the local level, laying the groundwork for his later national prominence. It also touches on broader themes about the political and social changes occurring in Vermont during this era.

The details

Chiasson, who grew up in Burlington during Sanders' mayoralty, chronicles how Sanders transformed the city through initiatives like expanding parkland, creating more affordable housing, and taking the concerns of young people seriously. However, the book also acknowledges that Sanders at times engaged in more 'performative politics,' such as his controversial 1985 trip to visit the Sandinista rebels in Nicaragua.

  • Sanders was mayor of Burlington from 1981 to 1989.
  • In 1988, Sanders visited the Soviet Union and attempted to make Yaroslavl a sister city of Burlington.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A self-described democratic socialist who served as mayor of Burlington, Vermont from 1981 to 1989, before going on to become a U.S. Senator and a prominent figure in national politics.

Dan Chiasson

The author of 'Bernie for Burlington' and an English professor at Wellesley College who grew up in Burlington during Sanders' time as mayor.

Richard Sugarman

An adviser who persuaded Sanders to move away from the 'performative politics' of the 1960s and focus more on practical governance as mayor.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, boy.”

— Bernie Sanders (Chiasson's recounting of a 2024 encounter with Sanders)

What’s next

The book's release has sparked renewed interest in Sanders' early political career and the lasting impact of his time as mayor of Burlington.

The takeaway

Chiasson's book provides a detailed look at how Sanders sought to put his progressive ideals into practice at the local level, laying the groundwork for his later national prominence. While the author's affection for his subject is evident, the book offers valuable insights into this formative period in Sanders' political development.