How long has Biden been in politics? A look at the president's history in D.C.

Sam Woodward, USA TODAY
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President Joe Biden, 81, has spent over half his life in politics. The career politician started small at a council level and made his way to the White House after 50 years of public service.

So, what has Biden's career in politics looked like over the years? Here's what you need to know.

1970 - 1973: New Castle County Council Member

A photo of a young Joe Biden that ran in a 1970 Evening Journal article about his political future.
A photo of a young Joe Biden that ran in a 1970 Evening Journal article about his political future.

Biden's career in politics started when he won a district seat on a Delaware County Council seat. Elected at just 27-years-old, Biden served for three years.

More: When did President Joe Biden take office? Here's what to know about his inauguration.

1973 - 2009: U.S. Senator from Delaware

At 30-years-old, Biden became one of the youngest senators in U.S. history when he defeated Republican incumbent Caleb Boggs. He would go on to service Delaware in the Senate for 36 years until his departure in 2009.

2009 - 2016: 47th Vice President of the United States

Vice President-elect Joe Biden, with his wife Jill at his side, takes the oath of office from Justice John Paul Stevens, as his wife holds the Bible at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Vice President-elect Joe Biden, with his wife Jill at his side, takes the oath of office from Justice John Paul Stevens, as his wife holds the Bible at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.

Biden ran a brief campaign for president in 2008 for president before being named then-Senator Barack Obama's running mate. He was sworn into office as Obama's vice president in 2009 and served two terms until 2016.

2021 - Present: 46th President of the United States

A day before his inauguration, Joe Biden delivers remarks on Jan. 19, 2021, at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, Delaware. The base was recently renamed to honor the president-elect's son, who died of brain cancer in 2015.
A day before his inauguration, Joe Biden delivers remarks on Jan. 19, 2021, at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center in New Castle, Delaware. The base was recently renamed to honor the president-elect's son, who died of brain cancer in 2015.

On Jan. 20, 2021, Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.

More: How old is Joe Biden? His age makes him the oldest sitting president in US history.

Biden's presidency marked a number of novelties for the seat

  • The second Catholic president to serve

  • The oldest president to serve at 78

  • The first president from Delaware

— Sam Woodward is the Minnesota elections reporting fellow for USA Today. You can reach her at swoodward@gannett.com, on X @woodyreports, or on Threads @samjowoody

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: How long has Biden been in politics? What seats he's held and how long