Barack's Failed Bid for Congress

Obama's attempt to unseat veteran Congressman Bobby Rush in 2000 ends in defeat

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In 1999, Barack Obama, then an Illinois state senator, decided to challenge longtime U.S. Representative Bobby Rush in the Democratic primary for Illinois's 1st congressional district. Despite warnings from colleagues and mentors, Obama believed Rush was vulnerable after a poor mayoral primary showing. However, Obama's challenge failed spectacularly, with Rush winning the March 2000 primary with 61% of the vote compared to Obama's 30%.

Why it matters

This race highlighted Obama's ambition and willingness to challenge established Black political figures, even those with deep community roots like Rush. It also shed light on Obama's associations with more radical leftist elements, which would become a recurring theme in his early political career.

The details

Obama, who had only served three years as an Illinois state senator at the time, believed Rush was vulnerable after finishing third in the 1999 Chicago mayoral primary. The 1st District was heavily Democratic and 60% Black, making the primary the decisive race. Obama accused Rush of having a "politics that is rooted in the past" and argued he could provide a "fresh and proactive voice" for the community. However, warnings from colleagues like Illinois State Senator Terry Link and political mentor Emil Jones Jr. went unheeded, and Obama's challenge ultimately failed.

  • In 1999, Obama was an Illinois state senator, having been elected in 1996 and re-elected in 1998.
  • Obama launched his challenge to incumbent U.S. Representative Bobby Rush in the Democratic primary for Illinois's 1st congressional district in 2000.
  • The March 2000 primary election saw Rush win with 61% of the vote, while Obama received 30%.

The players

Barack Obama

At the time, Obama was an Illinois state senator who decided to challenge longtime U.S. Representative Bobby Rush in the Democratic primary for Illinois's 1st congressional district.

Bobby Rush

A four-term U.S. Representative for Illinois's 1st congressional district, which covers much of Chicago's South Side. Rush co-founded the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party and had deep community roots in the district.

Terry Link

An Illinois state senator who was a close friend and colleague of Obama's in the Illinois Senate. Link warned Obama against challenging Rush, arguing that Obama "misread" the strength of the incumbent congressman in the district.

Emil Jones Jr.

A longtime Democratic state senator in Illinois and the first Black President of the Illinois Senate. Jones played a pivotal role in advancing Obama's legislative career and national ambitions, and he also called Obama's challenge to Rush a mistake.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Barack 'misread it' (the chance to actually win) — he 'didn't analyze the strength of the congressman (Rush) in that area, the will of the people.'”

— Terry Link, Illinois State Senator (substack.com)

“Barack's pattern of associating with extremist and radical elements was coming to light, as the race was a failed attempt to break into higher office using his leftist influences as a stepping stone.”

— Jerome R. Corsi, Author (substack.com)

The takeaway

Obama's failed attempt to unseat the veteran Congressman Bobby Rush highlighted his ambition and willingness to challenge established Black political figures, even those with deep community roots. It also shed light on his associations with more radical leftist elements, which would become a recurring theme in his early political career.