Data: Google Trends; Chart: Axios Visuals
Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sparked more Google searches than any other senator this year, according to data from Google Trends.
Why it matters: The progressive powerhouse has spent the year loudly protesting President Trump, and stepping into the vacuum of Democratic leadership created by the disastrous 2024 election for the party.
Zoom in: Sanders traveled the country for a "Fighting Oligarchy" tour alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (who, spoiler alert, had the most search interest in the House).
- Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) came in second for Google search volume, driven mostly by his own "fight" moment when he broke the record for the longest floor speech.
- Searches for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) spiked most leading up to government shutdown deadlines in March and September, which proved to be high stakes moments for his leadership.
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) was the most-searched Republican senator on the list, with interest spiking most around his heated June interview with Tucker Carlson.
