The 2020 Presidential election is still in its beginning stages, but several Democratic party contenders already tossed their hats into the ring and participated in the first of several debates on June 26th. While only one of these people will eventually face off against incumbent Donald Trump next year, it’s important for voters to learn as much as they can about each candidate, regardless of a particular party affiliation.

NEWSREP created this overview of a few Democratic candidates who announced their bids with a focus on the issues we feel are important to you, our readers. This list isn’t intended to be an all-encompassing collection of information about the candidates–at press time, there were an unprecedented 25 top contenders–but rather a quick reference guide as to their positions regarding these specific issues. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Former Vice President Joe Biden

Bio: From 2009 to 2017, Biden was the 47th vice president. Before that, he was a long-serving Democratic senator from Delaware. He’s run for president twice before: once in the 1980s, and again in 2007 before eventually dropping out to join Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Biden suffered several personal tragedies in his life, including the deaths of his first wife, Neilia, his daughter Naomi, and most recently his son, Beau.
Military experience: Never served
Views on foreign policy: According to Biden’s 2020 campaign campaign website, he feels the United States should lead the world by example, especially on issues such as “Inclusivity, tolerance, diversity, respect for the rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion.” Biden’s website also says he wishes to renew partnerships with allied countries. On military deployment, he appears to be opposed military intervention unless a situation arises which is of “vital national security interest.”
Views on gun control: Biden generally favors the assault weapon ban, as well as closing the gun show loophole. According to a report from the Washington Examiner, Biden recently suggested using “fingerprint-locked guns” to prevent shootings.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)

Bio: Booker served as Mayor of Newark, New Jersey from 2006 to 2013 before becoming the state’s junior U.S. Senator in 2013. He sits on the following U.S. Senate Committees: Foreign Relations, Judiciary, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Environment and Public Works.
Military experience: Never served
Views on foreign policy: Booker has spoken out against violent extremist and terrorist groups. He believes Congress needs to authorize the U.S. military to fight against ISIS, and has pushed for more aggressive measures to combat extremists utilizing social media for recruitment and propaganda. Booker is also a supporter of the United States’ relationship with key allies, including Israel.
Views on gun control: Booker is in favor of expanded background checks for perspective firearms buyers and has advocated against certain concealed carry policies. He also pitched a federal firearm licensure policy which, according to a report from The New York Times, would require potential gun buyers to acquire a license for a weapon before being allowed to purchase one.

Pete Buttigieg

Bio: Buttigieg, 37, is currently serving as Mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He worked as a consultant and as a naval intelligence officer before running for mayor, according to a report from Business Insider.
Military experience: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Reserve. Deployed once to Afghanistan.
Views on foreign policy: During a recent speech, Buttigieg said “we must put an end to endless war and refocus on future threats.” He also stated he would rejoin the Iran nuclear deal if elected.
Views on gun control: According to On The Issues, Buttigieg supports universal background checks for firearm purchases and opposes “stand your ground” laws.

Julián Castro

Bio: Castro served as Mayor of San Antonio, Texas from 2009 to 2014 before becoming the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Obama.
Military experience: Never served
Views on foreign policy: Castro tends to shy away from comments regarding foreign policy, but is critical of the U.S. military’s operations in the Middle East. He also cited climate change as the greatest danger facing the U.S. He believes it’s important to maintain good relationships with longtime allies such as the United Kingdom and France.
Views on gun control: Castro supports universal background checks for all firearm purchases and wants to ban assault rifles. Castro also supports closing the gun show loophole that allows people to purchase firearms at these shows without background checks in certain situations.

Former Rep. John Delaney

Bio: Delaney served four terms as the U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 6^th District. He sat on the Committee on Financial Services and the Joint Economic Committee.
Military experience: Never served
Views on foreign policy: Delaney is in favor of global trade partnerships, and has pushed for more global cooperation to counter China’s trade policies.
Views on gun control: Delaney is in favor of expanded bans on assault rifles and has called for restrictions on certain concealed carry laws. He also wants to end the gun show loophole. He also believes mental health issues contribute to violent gun crimes.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)

Bio: Gabbard currently serves as in the U.S House of Representative for Hawaii’s 2^nd District.
Military experience: Major, Hawaii Army National Guard. Gabbard has deployed twice to the Middle East.
Views on foreign policy: Favors diplomacy over military action. Recently criticized “neocon warhawks,” according to a report from the Washington Post.
Views on gun control: Supports banning military-style weapons, “high-capacity magazines,” and favors more comprehensive background checks.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)

Bio: Sanders, Vermont’s junior senator since 2007, is the longest-serving independent the U.S. Congress. He ran for the Democratic nomination in 2016, but lost to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Military experience: Never served
Views on foreign policy: Hard on Israel, and supports cutting aid to the country, according to The Atlantic. An op-ed written by Sanders for Foreign Affairs titled “Ending America’s Endless War” further outlines the senator’s proposal for withdrawing U.S. troops from the Middle East.
Views on gun control: Favors “assault weapons ban” and increased background checks.

Former Rep. Joe Sestak

Bio: After serving more than three decades in the U.S. Navy, Sestak was a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 7^th District from 2007 to 2011. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Congress in 2010 and again in 2016.
Military experience: Three-star Admiral, U.S. Navy. During his service, he was the director of anti-terrorism and later, Director of Defense Policy for the National Security Council.
Views on foreign policy: According to Ballotpedia, Sestak says he’ll “rely on his experience in the military, and that his top priorities as president would be combating climate change and countering Russia and China’s global influence.” In a lengthy interview with The National Interest, he discusses these topics, as well as Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and Israel.
Views on gun control: According to On the Issues, Sestak supports an extension of the assault weapons ban, and favors closing the gun show loophole.