Joe Biden Biography: Age, Height, Wife, Children, Family, Net Worth, Salary and Career
Joe Biden is an American politician, lawyer and former president who served as the 46th President of the United States from January 20, 2021, to January 20, 2025. Before reaching the presidency, Biden spent 36 years representing Delaware in the United States Senate and eight years serving as vice president under President Barack Obama. His political career, which spans more than five decades, has made him one of the most experienced and recognizable figures in modern American politics.
Born Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. on November 20, 1942, Biden rose from a middle-class upbringing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to hold some of the highest offices in the United States. His life story has been shaped by political ambition, personal resilience and devastating family tragedies. Biden lost his first wife and infant daughter in a car accident shortly after being elected to the Senate in 1972. More than four decades later, he experienced another major loss when his eldest son, Beau Biden, died from cancer in 2015. These experiences have significantly influenced both his personal identity and his approach to public life.
Over the years, Biden has served as a senator, chairman of important Senate committees, vice president and president. He has also written books, worked with academic institutions and remained a prominent figure in American and international politics. Supporters often describe him as an experienced and relationship-focused politician, while critics have challenged various aspects of his policies and political record. Regardless of political opinion, Biden’s place in modern American history is firmly established.
Who Is Joe Biden?
Joe Biden is a former American president and one of the longest-serving national political figures of his generation. His political career began at the local level in Delaware before he was elected to the United States Senate at the age of 29. He entered the Senate in 1973 and remained there until 2009, representing Delaware for 36 years. During this period, Biden developed extensive experience in domestic legislation, criminal justice, foreign policy and judicial matters.
His long Senate career eventually helped him become a national political figure. Biden served in leadership positions on the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, giving him significant influence over judicial nominations, criminal justice legislation and American foreign policy.
In 2008, Barack Obama selected Biden as his vice-presidential running mate. The Obama-Biden ticket won the presidential election, and Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 until 2017. After leaving the vice presidency, he eventually returned to national politics and won the 2020 presidential election, becoming the 46th President of the United States.
Joe Biden Age
Joe Biden is 83 years old as of 2026. He was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States. In addition, he celebrates his birthday on November 20th every year.
His full name is Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. He was the first of four children born to Joseph Robinette Biden Sr. and Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden. Although Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, his family eventually moved to Delaware, the state that would become the center of his political life.
Biden’s connection to Scranton remained important throughout his career. He frequently referred to his working-class background and childhood experiences when discussing economic issues and the challenges faced by ordinary American families. Delaware, however, eventually became his permanent political home and the state he represented in the Senate for more than three decades.
Joe Biden Family and Early Life
Joe Biden grew up in a Catholic family and was raised alongside his three younger siblings, Valerie Biden Owens, James Biden and Francis Biden. His parents experienced periods of financial difficulty, and the family eventually relocated to Delaware in search of greater economic stability.
As a young person, Biden was outgoing, competitive and interested in sports. He attended Archmere Academy, a Catholic preparatory school in Delaware, where he participated in football, baseball and other student activities. During his childhood, Biden also struggled with a stutter, an experience he has discussed publicly throughout his career.
Biden worked hard to overcome the speech difficulty, often practicing by reading aloud and reciting poetry. The fact that a child who struggled with stuttering eventually developed into one of the most recognizable public speakers in American politics became an important part of his personal story.
Joe Biden Education
After graduating from Archmere Academy, Biden attended the University of Delaware. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in history and political science. His university years helped strengthen his interest in public service and eventually prepared him for a career in law and politics.
After completing his undergraduate education, Biden attended the Syracuse University College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1968. He then returned to Delaware and began working as an attorney.
His legal education later became particularly valuable during his long service in the Senate. Biden spent years working on judicial issues and constitutional matters and eventually became chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Joe Biden’s Early Political Career
Biden’s political career began in Delaware. He was elected to the New Castle County Council in 1970, where he served until 1972. The position gave him valuable experience in government and helped establish him as a young Democratic politician with growing ambitions.
In 1972, Biden decided to run for the United States Senate against incumbent Republican Senator J. Caleb Boggs. At the time, he was considered an unlikely candidate, but he won the election at only 29 years old.
His victory made him one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. However, what should have been one of the happiest moments of his life was soon followed by a devastating personal tragedy.
Joe Biden’s First Marriage and Family Tragedy
Joe Biden’s first wife was Neilia Hunter Biden, whom he married in 1966. The couple had three children: Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III, Robert Hunter Biden and Naomi Christina Biden. Only weeks after Biden won his Senate election in December 1972, tragedy struck the family. Neilia Biden and the couple’s daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. Beau and Hunter were seriously injured but survived.
The accident had a profound effect on Biden. He considered withdrawing from politics but ultimately decided to take his seat in the Senate. He was sworn into office while his sons were recovering from their injuries.
For years afterward, Biden traveled regularly by train between Washington, D.C., and Delaware so that he could remain close to his children. This commitment to commuting became one of the most recognizable aspects of his political identity and contributed to his image as a politician strongly connected to family life.
Joe Biden as a U.S. Senator
Joe Biden represented Delaware in the United States Senate from 1973 until 2009, serving for 36 years. During this period, he became one of the Senate’s most experienced lawmakers and developed expertise in both domestic and international affairs.
Biden served on the Senate Judiciary Committee and eventually became its chairman. The committee plays an important role in reviewing judicial nominations, including nominations to the Supreme Court. Biden also became deeply involved in criminal justice policy.
His career was equally connected to foreign affairs. As a member and later chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden participated in discussions involving American relationships with foreign governments, international conflicts, and national security. His long Senate experience later became one of his strongest political qualifications when Barack Obama selected him as his vice-presidential running mate.
Joe Biden and the Violence Against Women Act
One of the most significant legislative achievements associated with Joe Biden’s Senate career was the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Biden played a leading role in developing and promoting the legislation.
The law increased federal attention and resources related to domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of violence against women. It also contributed to the development of programs supporting victims and strengthening the legal response to these crimes.
Biden continued to identify the legislation as one of the most important achievements of his public career. The Violence Against Women Act became a major part of his political legacy and remained closely associated with him during his vice presidency and presidency.
Joe Biden’s Presidential Campaigns
Before becoming president, Biden made several attempts to win the Democratic presidential nomination. His first campaign took place in 1988, followed by another presidential campaign during the 2008 election cycle. Neither campaign resulted in the Democratic nomination. However, his 2008 campaign helped raise his national profile and demonstrated his extensive experience in foreign policy and government.
After Barack Obama secured the Democratic nomination in 2008, he selected Biden as his vice-presidential candidate. The decision transformed Biden’s political career and placed him at the center of national government for the next eight years.
Joe Biden as Vice President
Joe Biden served as the 47th Vice President of the United States from 2009 until 2017 under President Barack Obama. During this period, Biden became one of the most active vice presidents in American history. The Obama administration frequently relied on his experience in Congress and his relationships with senators and other political leaders.
Biden was involved in negotiations involving major legislation and played an important role in domestic economic and health-care initiatives. His work included supporting efforts connected to the Affordable Care Act and economic recovery following the global financial crisis.
He also remained deeply involved in foreign policy and international affairs. Biden’s relationship with Obama became one of the most recognized political partnerships of the period, and their administration served two consecutive terms.
Joe Biden’s 2020 Presidential Campaign
Joe Biden announced his presidential campaign in 2019. The Democratic primary initially proved challenging, with several candidates competing strongly for the nomination. Biden’s campaign experienced a major resurgence following important primary victories. He eventually secured the Democratic nomination and faced President Donald Trump in the general election.
The 2020 election occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating extraordinary challenges for candidates and voters. Biden ultimately defeated Trump and won the Electoral College. On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States.
Joe Biden as President
Joe Biden served as President of the United States from January 20, 2021, until January 20, 2025. He entered office during the COVID-19 pandemic and faced major economic, political and international challenges.
His administration focused on economic recovery, infrastructure investment, technology development, climate policy and health-care issues. Several major pieces of legislation were enacted during his presidency, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Biden’s presidency also included major foreign-policy challenges. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine became one of the most significant international events of his administration, and the United States worked closely with NATO allies in supporting Ukraine.
His presidency generated significant political debate. Supporters praised his administration’s investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and technology, while critics challenged his handling of immigration, inflation, foreign policy, and other issues. Biden left office on January 20, 2025, completing one term as president.
Joe Biden’s Wife and Marriage
Joe Biden has been married to Dr. Jill Biden since 1977. Jill Biden is an educator and author who served as Second Lady during the Obama administration and later became First Lady of the United States. The couple met several years after the death of Biden’s first wife, Neilia. Their relationship eventually developed into a marriage that became central to Biden’s personal and political life.
Joe and Jill Biden have one daughter together, Ashley Biden, who was born in 1981. Jill also became a stepmother to Beau and Hunter Biden and played an important role in the family’s life. One of the distinctive features of Jill Biden’s public career has been her continued commitment to education. She maintained her professional identity as an educator while serving as Second Lady and First Lady.
Joe Biden’s Children and Family
Joe Biden had four children. His eldest son, Beau Biden, became a lawyer and served as Delaware Attorney General. Beau died in 2015 after battling brain cancer, a loss that deeply affected Biden and the entire family. His second son, Hunter Biden, has worked in law and business and has been the subject of considerable public and political attention. Biden’s daughter with his first wife, Naomi Biden, died in the 1972 car accident that also killed Neilia Biden.
His youngest child, Ashley Biden, was born to Joe and Jill Biden in 1981. Biden is also a grandfather. His family life has remained an important part of his public identity, and he has frequently spoken about the importance of maintaining close relationships with his children and grandchildren.
Joe Biden Height
Biden is commonly listed as approximately 6 feet tall, or 183 centimeters.
Joe Biden Net Worth
Biden has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to financial evaluations by Forbes.
Joe Biden Salary
During his presidency, Joe Biden received the official presidential salary of $400,000 per year. The president also receives access to official resources and allowances connected to the office, but these should not be confused with personal income.
Since leaving office in January 2025, Biden no longer receives the annual presidential salary. His income may now come from post-presidential benefits, publishing, speaking engagements, and other professional activities. His exact current annual earnings have not been publicly disclosed.
Joe Biden’s Life After the Presidency
Since leaving the White House in January 2025, Joe Biden has entered the post-presidential stage of his life. He remains one of the most recognizable political figures in the United States and continues to be associated with public policy, academic institutions and political discussions.
Biden has maintained relationships with institutions connected to his career, including the University of Delaware, where the Joseph R. Biden Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration and the Biden Institute continue to focus on public policy and civic leadership.
His post-presidential life represents the latest chapter in a career that began in local Delaware politics more than five decades ago.
From becoming one of the youngest senators in American history to serving as vice president and eventually president, Biden’s life has followed an extraordinary political path. His story has also been defined by personal resilience. The deaths of his first wife, daughter and eldest son brought profound personal challenges, yet he continued his career in public service.
Today, Joe Biden remains one of the most significant American political figures of his generation. His legacy includes more than five decades in government, important legislation, two terms as vice president and one term as President of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Joe Biden?
Joe Biden was born on November 20, 1942, making him 83 years old as of August 2026.
How tall is Joe Biden?
Joe Biden is commonly listed as approximately 6 feet tall, or 183 centimeters.
Who is Joe Biden’s wife?
Joe Biden has been married to Dr. Jill Biden since 1977.
How many children does Joe Biden have?
Joe Biden had four children: Beau Biden, Hunter Biden, Naomi Biden and Ashley Biden. Naomi died in 1972, while Beau died in 2015.
What is Joe Biden’s net worth?
Joe Biden’s exact wealth is private. A reasonable 2026 estimate places his net worth at approximately $10 million, although this figure is not officially confirmed.
What was Joe Biden’s presidential salary?
Joe Biden received the official presidential salary of $400,000 per year while serving as President of the United States.
What political positions has Joe Biden held?
Joe Biden has served as a New Castle County Council member, U.S. Senator from Delaware, Vice President of the United States and the 46th President of the United States.
How long was Joe Biden a U.S. senator?
Joe Biden represented Delaware in the United States Senate for 36 years, from 1973 until 2009.
When was Joe Biden president?
Joe Biden served as the 46th President of the United States from January 20, 2021, until January 20, 2025.
What is Joe Biden known for?
Joe Biden is best known for his long political career, including 36 years as a U.S. senator, eight years as vice president and one term as the 46th President of the United States.
