Uygur was born in Istanbul on March 21, 1970. He immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 8 years old. He graduated from the Wharton School of Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University Law School. He practiced law in a private firm in Washington D.C. and then at the New York State Bar Association.
In 2002, he started a news and commentary program called "The Young Turks" with his friend Ana Kasparian. The program quickly became one of the most popular news programs in the US. Uygur mainly comments on political issues on the program.
In 2020, Uygur was a candidate for the California Senate from the Democratic Party. However, he lost in the primaries.
Uygur announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election on December 16, 2023. "I will rebuild the United States of America," Uygur said in his declaration of candidacy.
Uygur is married and has two children.
Political views of Cenk Uygur
Uygur defines himself as a social democrat. His political views encompass liberalism, socialism and progressivism. Uygur is known for his views on social justice, economic equality and environmental protection.
He advocates reforming the US health care system, improving the education system, raising the minimum wage, and taking stronger measures to combat climate change.
