Second Marriage: After the tragic death of his first wife, Biden was left to raise his surviving sons alone. In 1977, he married Jill Tracy Jacobs, a schoolteacher. Together, they have one daughter, Ashley. Jill Biden became a prominent figure in her own right, serving as the Second Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and later as the First Lady when Joe Biden became President in 2021.
Law School:
Joe Biden attended Syracuse University College of Law in 1965 after earning a degree in History and Political Science from the University of Delaware. Despite facing academic challenges, Biden earned his law degree in 1968, finishing near the bottom of his class. He has since been open about the challenges he faced in law school, including struggling with a speech impediment and adjusting to the rigorous demands of legal studies.
Early Career:
After law school, Biden moved back to Delaware, where he worked at a local law firm and soon became involved in politics. In 1970, at the age of 29, Biden was elected to the New Castle County Council, where he worked on issues like zoning, urban renewal, and crime. His experience in local government and his commitment to public service set the stage for his future political career.
In 1972, Biden made a significant leap in his political career by running for the U.S. Senate. At just 29 years old, he became one of the youngest individuals ever elected to the Senate. His early years in the Senate were marked by personal tragedy, but Biden’s resilience, leadership, and dedication to his constituents helped him become a respected figure in American politics. His early career laid the foundation for his later success as Vice President and ultimately as President of the United States.
Joe Biden’s U.S. Senate Career:
Joe Biden served in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009, representing the state of Delaware for 36 years. His time in the Senate was marked by significant accomplishments, leadership on key issues, and personal resilience in the face of tragedy.
Early Years in the Senate:
Biden was elected to the Senate in 1972 at the age of 29, making him one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. His victory was overshadowed by a personal tragedy: just weeks after his election, his wife Neilia and daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Biden chose to continue serving in the Senate, taking his oath of office at the bedside of his surviving sons, Beau and Hunter, who were recovering from the accident.
Legislative Focus and Influence:
During his Senate tenure, Biden became known for his work on a wide range of issues, including foreign policy, criminal justice, and civil rights. He served on important committees, notably the Foreign Relations Committee, where he gained recognition for his expertise in global affairs.
