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ON POLITICS
Bernie Sanders

Sanders becomes first Jew to win a presidential primary

Jessica Estepa
USA TODAY

Bernie Sanders proved the polls right and triumphed in Tuesday's New Hampshire primary.

He also marked another milestone: Sanders became the first Jewish person (and non-Christian) to win a presidential primary.

And while Sanders didn't address it himself, others took notice.

Sanders was raised Jewish, but he isn't big on talking about his religious views. He has said that while he believes in God, he's not "much into" organized religion.

He has also pointed out that he wouldn't be running for president if he wasn't spiritual.

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"I believe that there is a connection between all living things, and that my belief in God requires me to do all that I can to follow the ‘Golden Rule,’ to do unto others and as I would have them do unto me," he said in September, before Pope Francis visited Washington. "As a public servant, it requires me to do all that I can to ensure that every person lives with dignity and security."

Other Jews who have mounted presidential campaigns include former Pennsylvania senator Arlen Specter in 1996 and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman in 2004.

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