Kucinich – who said he grew up in Cleveland from an impoverished background and transitioned into politics early after working dozens of jobs – was elected as the mayor of Cleveland when he was 31. Later, after a tumultuous time as mayor and him taking some time off from politics, Kucinich was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, winning re-election a total of six times.

He’s facing formidable opposition in his bid for the Democratic Party’s nomination this May.