California

Bernie Sanders Lookalike Campaigns for Laughs on Election Day

Jeff Jones was a registered Republican until this election season, when he voted for his doppelgnger

In the race for best Bernie Sanders look-alike, Jeff Jones rallied support Tuesday with a surprise Election Day visit to Aroma restaurant in Studio City.

Wide-eyed customers lined up outside on Tujunga Avenue snapped photos with Jones, a Southern California musician who bears a strong likeness to the Vermont Senator and Democratic presidential candidate. He even had custom sweatshirts made to avoid confusion and misguided handshakes from Sanders supporters and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" fans.

One shirt reads, "I am Not Bernie," with a Sanders logo on the back. Another has "I'm not Larry David Either" in large print.

But Jones, with glasses and a tuft of white hair to rival those of Sanders and the "Seinfeld" producer, was wearing a rumpled suit and tie Tuesday, fooling some into believing the real Bernie Sanders was making a last-minute campaign stop just hours before polls closed on California primary day.

One customer asked, "What are the chances on voting day to see the man you're voting for?"

"It's like the center of the universe just shifted over to where we're having coffee," said another.

"Did he escape his handlers?" asked another customer.

As for Jones' political learnings, he cast his vote for Sanders in the election, won by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. The decision marked a big change for Jones, who was a registered Republican until this election when dissatisfation with his GOP choices led him to change affiliation.

NBC4's Tommy Bravo contributed to this report.

Contact Us