“I’m not like that,” he says of the militant image he projected as a Black Panther. Bobby Rush, 2nd Ward, a pinstriped suit has replaced his "radical chic" garb of the 1960s, shown here circa 1984. Rush said he believes by going out on top it will give his endorsement significant weight.For Ald. The list of declared or perspectives candidates to replace Rush includes numerous aldermen and state elected officials and some community organizers.Ĭandidates can begin circulating petitions next week, but winning the June primary will require money and organization. He said he will announce an endorsement for a successor in the coming weeks, in what is expected to be a crowded field. Rush said he will miss the camaraderie of his colleagues, but not the political climate. " I think that people will certainly see a fighter, a warrior, someone who cares deeply about the plight of African Americans, you know, for sure." "Definitely an activist when it comes to gun violence prevention, which is something near and dear to my heart, you know, so I think he'll leave many things for people to really think about, what he's contributed to as the congressman for the 1st district," she said. "I hope whoever is gonna fill his shoes, they're gonna have a whole lot to fill, a whole lot to fill, and I hope they can do the job as well as he done," she said.Ĭongresswoman Robin Kelly, chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, reflected on his devotion to civil rights, saying he cared deeply about the progress of the African American population, jobs and justice. I voted for Obama," they said.īut constituent Dorcas Allen said it'll be tough to take Rush's place. When Obama ran against him, I didn't vote for him. Bobby Rush announces he will not run for reelection "He served the community well, and it's time." WATCH: US Rep. "I think it's a good thing," said constituent Mark Harris. "I will remain in public life, in public service fighting for equity and justice for and within my community," he said. Rush said he plans to remain in public life, returning to his family and his church. Some of them are going to be looking at this very carefully." "There are people who have run against him in the past who failed. "There is going to be a huge amount of interest in that seat," said Washington. He is expected to serve out the rest of his term in 2022 until a new representative is sworn in in 2023.Ī ferocious political contest will now likely unfold in the 1st District for the Democratic nomination after Rush's 15 terms. He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee. He serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, is chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and also on the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce. Ten years ago he took to the House floor in a hoodie to demand justice for murdered Black Florida teen Trayvon Martin. Rush was a founding member and former chairman of the Illinois Black Panthers and a prominent civil rights activist. Rush has had health battles over the past few years, and on New Year's Day took to Twitter to thank well-wishers offering support in light of a recent COVID diagnosis. You're gonna see many more looking at it." There's already five or six people who've already declared against Rush. So there's gonna be a real groundswell of people. "It's very rare, particularly in the African American community, to have this kind of opportunity. "The Illinois Democratic Party worked very hard to protect his seat, to make sure his seat was still predominantly African American in the redistricting process, so obviously he's an important asset to the party, and it will remain in Democratic hands no matter who runs," said ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington. RELATED: Short film on Black Panther leader Fred Hampton spotlights efforts to preserve his childhood home in Maywood
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