Joe Biden Biography: Political Career, Net Worth, and Family

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician who served as the 46th President of the United States from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025. Prior to his presidency, he had a long and distinguished career in public service, including decades in the U.S. Senate and two terms as Vice President.

Early Life and Education

Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the eldest of four children to Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan and Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. In 1953, when he was 10 years old, his family moved to Claymont, Delaware.

Biden attended the University of Delaware, where he studied history and political science, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then went on to Syracuse University College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree in 1968. After law school, he briefly worked as a public defender before entering politics.

Political Career

Biden’s political career began in Delaware. He was elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970, serving until 1972.

U.S. Senate (1973-2009): In 1972, at the age of 29, Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming one of the youngest senators in U.S. history. Just weeks after his election, a tragic car accident claimed the lives of his first wife and infant daughter, and severely injured his two young sons. Despite this immense personal loss, he was sworn into office at his sons’ hospital bedsides and committed to serving. He was re-elected six times, becoming Delaware’s longest-serving senator.

During his 36 years in the Senate, Biden became a prominent figure, known for his expertise in foreign policy and criminal justice. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee (1987-1995), where he oversaw several Supreme Court confirmation hearings, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (2001-2003; 2007-2009). He played a key role in drafting and passing significant legislation, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Violence Against Women Act.

Presidential Campaigns (1988, 2008): Biden made two unsuccessful bids for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 and 2008.

Vice Presidency (2009-2017): In 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama selected Biden as his running mate. They won the general election, and Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States for two terms (2009-2017). As Vice President, he was a close advisor to President Obama and played a crucial role in various initiatives, including the economic recovery efforts following the 2008 financial crisis, the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

Presidency (2021-2025): In April 2019, Biden announced his candidacy for the 2020 presidential election. He secured the Democratic nomination and, with Kamala Harris as his running mate, defeated incumbent President Donald Trump. He was inaugurated as the 46th President on January 20, 2021.

During his presidency, key policy focuses included:

• The American Rescue Plan, a COVID-19 relief package.
• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bipartisan bill to modernize U.S. infrastructure.
• Efforts to combat climate change and promote clean energy.
• Judicial appointments, including the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.

In April 2023, Biden formally announced his bid for re-election in 2024. However, in July 2024, following a debate performance and under pressure from leading Democrats, he ended his candidacy and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Net Worth

Joe Biden‘s net worth has been estimated to be around $9 million to $10 million as of May 2025. For many years, he was known as “Middle-Class Joe,” primarily living on his government salary. However, after leaving the Vice Presidency in 2017, his financial situation significantly improved through book deals, speaking engagements, and a role at the University of Pennsylvania. His assets include two properties in Delaware, and he also receives government pensions from his decades of public service.

Family

Joe Biden’s family has been central to his life and career.

He was first married to Neilia Hunter in 1966. Together, they had three children:

• Joseph “Beau” Robinette Biden III (1969-2015)
• Robert Hunter Biden (born 1970)
• Naomi Christina Biden (1971-1972)

In December 1972, shortly after his Senate election, Neilia and Naomi were tragically killed in a car accident, and his sons Beau and Hunter were critically injured.

In 1977, Joe Biden married Jill Jacobs, an educator. They have one daughter:

• Ashley Blazer Biden (born 1981)

Joe Biden is also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren from his sons Beau and Hunter. His family, including his siblings Valerie Biden Owens and James Biden, have often played supportive roles in his political campaigns.

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