Bernie Sanders Leaves Burlington Mayor's Office

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After serving four terms as the mayor of Burlington, Vermont, Bernie Sanders decided not to seek re-election in 1989. His decision came after an unsuccessful bid for Congress the previous year, though he would ultimately win that race in 1990 and go on to represent Vermont in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next 25 years.

Why it matters

Sanders' time as mayor of Burlington was an important stepping stone in his long political career, establishing him as a progressive voice in Vermont politics. His decision to leave the mayor's office marked the end of an era and the beginning of his rise to national prominence.

The details

Sanders was first elected mayor of Burlington in 1981, scoring a surprise victory. He went on to win three more terms before deciding not to run for re-election in 1989. His decision came after an unsuccessful bid for Congress the previous year, though he would ultimately win that race in 1990 and go on to represent Vermont in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next 25 years.

• On March 30, 1989, Sanders talked with Channel 3's Natalie Borrok about his time as mayor.
• Sanders decided not to seek re-election after an unsuccessful bid for Congress in the fall of 1988.
• Sanders won the congressional race in 1990, the start of a quarter-century representing Vermonters in Washington.

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