Everyone knows that democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is passionate about issues like wealth inequality, the cost of college and global climate change, making him extremely popular among young voters. But what are some things we don't know about the senator from Vermont? Here are 15 facts about Bernie Sanders that you might not have heard before.

1. He was poor growing up.

Bernie's dad was a Polish immigrant and a paint salesman. The family lived paycheck-to-paycheck in a small apartment.

2. His older brother Larry is also a politician.

Larry Sanders is the Health Spokesperson for the Green Party of England and Wales. He is very proud of his younger brother and is hopeful about the election.

3. He once spoke on the Senate floor for eight hours straight.

In 2010, Bernie argued against the extension of Bush-era tax cuts for eight hours without stopping.

4. If elected, Bernie Sanders would be the first Jewish and oldest president ever elected.

Bernie will be 75 years old at the time of the general election. He is also the first non-Christian to win a U.S. primary.

5. He was arrested during a protest.

On August 12, 1963, Bernie was arrested while protesting the segregation of a Chicago school, proving that he has always been passionate about race equality.

6. He was an average student in college.

Bernie recalls that while attending the University of Chicago, the dean asked him to take a year off from school because while he was very smart, he was a "sloppy student."

7. His grandparents were killed in the Holocaust. Most of Bernie's family on his father's side was wiped out during World War II. He has stated that he has "very strong religious and spiritual feelings."

8. He was greatly influenced by sports.

The senator played basketball and ran track in high school, and is a big baseball fan. When he was mayor of Burlington, Vermont, he played a major role in bringing a minor league baseball team to the city.

9. He ran for class president in high school... And lost.

Since the high school election, he has lost six major elections, but has always remained resilient.

10. During the Vietnam War, he applied to be a "conscientious objector."

During his college and early political years, Bernie openly opposed the war. His application was rejected, however by that time he was too old to be drafted.

11. He won his first mayoral election by only 10 votes.

After his first term as Mayor of Burlington, he was reelected three times.

12. He has made history as an independent.

Bernie is the longest-serving independent member of Congress in U.S. history as he is currently serving his second term.

13. He was more active in the House than his peers.

During his time in the House of Representatives, Bernie passed more amendments than any other representative serving at the time.

14. He loves poetry.

He has even written some of his own- mainly about poverty.

15. His constituents love him.

Bernie Sanders has a higher approval rating (83 percent) of than any other senator in the U.S.

Whether you're feeling the Bern or not, it is safe to say that Senator Sanders is one interesting guy.