After Seeing Thunderbolts*, I Think I've Figured Out Why Bucky Barnes Became A Congressman In The MCU

Published May 3, 2025

Followed

Warning: This post contains SPOILERS for Thunderbolts*Bucky Barnes has one of the longest the cast of Thunderbolts* with many wondering where his MCU arc would go. The character has had a tumultuous life, starting out as a soldier in World War II. After surviving a near-fatal fall, he is turned into a weapon by HYDRA, officially becoming the Winter Soldier.

Although Bucky is introduced as the main villain of 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, he doesn’t stay the bad guy for long. Fighting by his best friend’s side once again, he has undergone a lengthy redemption arc. From becoming a Wakandan refugee to an Avenger, the most shocking recent development has undoubtedly been Bucky becoming a congressman. His new position was first confirmed in Captain America: Brave New World earlier this year, and it felt like a baffling decision by Marvel. However, Thunderbolts* may have just justified it.

In Thunderbolts*, Bucky Barnes Has Been Congressman For Half A Term

A Full Term In Congress Is Two Years

Sebastian Stan As Congressman Bucky Barnes Interviewed By Press In Thunderbolts

At some point after the events of The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, Bucky decided to run for the United States Congress. The exact process is never shown, but by the time of his next on-screen appearance in Captain America: Brave New World, he is a full-fledged member of Congress. Since Brave New World takes place in April 2027, it can be assumed that Thunderbolts* occurs shortly after that, considering that Bucky is still a congressman at the beginning of the film.

Yelena Belova, John Walker, and Taskmaster assemble wearing their MCU costumes in Thunderbolts_

Thunderbolts* Spoiler Guide: Biggest Reveals Cameos & Who Dies?

Thunderbolts* plays with audience expectations to deliver a few unexpected twists that add a new meaning to past and future MCU titles.

Posts

When the Thunderbolts go to confront Valentina Allegra de Fontaine at the Watchtower, Valentina comments on Bucky’s position in Congress, and how he’ll have served a shorter term than most. She confirms that Bucky has been a congressman for half a term by the time of Thunderbolts*, which is equivalent to one year. A congressman’s full term is two years, but Bucky’s time in the position will likely be cut short with how the events of Thunderbolts* have unfolded.

I'm Convinced Bucky Became Congressman To Investigate Valentina

Bucky Had No Other Motivation For Getting Involved In Politics

Bucky becoming a congressman, let alone getting into politics, was one of the MCU’s biggest mysteries as of late. It didn’t seem like a path that the character would pursue, and it’s hard to believe that he would’ve been successfully elected due to his past actions, even following his redemption. Thunderbolts* even makes it a point of how out of his depth he is in some ways in the job, barely being able to answer the press’ questions. However, Thunderbolts* also seemingly infers that Bucky ed politics to get closer to a certain individual.

In Valentina’s previous MCU appearances, she was recruiting individuals who now make up the Thunderbolts, or "New Avengers". At the beginning of the film, she is facing impeachment due to ties to several black ops projects which Bucky seems aware of. Bucky is intent on bringing Valentina and OXE down, which is why he agrees to free the Thunderbolts if they help him. His position as congressman also allowed him into exclusive government events, where he was able to gain more intel and try to use people close to Valentina like Mel Gold. All this considered, his participation in politics now makes sense.

Is Bucky Still A Congressman At The End Of Thunderbolts*?

Bucky Likely Stepped Down From His Position

The Thunderbolts in Avengers Tower's elevator — Image Made By Yailin Chacon

Bucky is clearly a congressman at the start of Thunderbolts*, but the ending of Thunderbolts* leaves the fate of his political career up in the air. With Valentina taking advantage of the Thunderbolts and turning them into the New Avengers, Bucky has now found himself in another structured superhero team. The post-credits scene shows the team 14 months after the events of the film decently well-situated in their roles. Bucky doesn’t mention having any duties in Congress, which means it’s safe to assume that his political career came to an end when he ed the New Avengers.

Superheroes in the MCU put their lives on the line daily, and it’s highly unlikely that someone would have time for both the superhero life and an active career in politics. Even if Bucky could pull off both, the government probably wouldn’t let him. The biggest possibilities are that he stepped down from his position after the events of Thunderbolts*, or he waited out the rest of his term without seeking re-election. Either way, Bucky’s new role in the MCU likely means that his wildest career move has come to an end.