Chicago alderman announces bid for Rep. Bobby Rush’s seat

A Chicago alderman on Wednesday announced a bid for retiring Rep. Bobby Rush’s (D-Ill.) seat in the House. 

“After careful consideration and many conversations with family and supporters, I am announcing that I will run for Congress in Illinois’ 1st District,” Pat Dowell (D) said in a statement. 

“Congressman Rush has created a legacy of fighting for others that I will strive to honor and uphold. I am grateful for the support people have given me in my run for Secretary of State. Recent events, both here in Illinois and across the country, have led me to decide to make this run for Congress.” 

Dowell also recognized Rush’s impact in Chicago and the Black community, citing his “lifetime of service to further civil rights and protect underserved communities, particularly those of color.”

After careful consideration and many conversations with family and supporters, today I announced my run for Congress in Illinois’ 1st District. pic.twitter.com/X34JY3zNq2

— Pat Dowell (@ILforDowell) January 5, 2022

“In Congress, I will work every day to ensure Chicago and all the communities of the 1st district receive their fair share of federal resources, safeguard voting rights and access, be a strong voice for gun control, protect Social Security and Medicare, and provide healthcare for all,” Dowell said. 

Rush, who served in Congress for 15 terms, announced on Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in this year’s midterm election. 

In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, the former Black Panther party leader said he made the decision after having a conservation with his grandson. 

“I don’t want my grandchildren … to know me from a television news clip or something they read in a newspaper,” Rush told the Sun-Times.

“I want them to know me on an intimate level, know something about me and I want to know something about them. I don’t want to be a historical figure to my grandchildren.”

Rush is among the 25 House Democrats who have announced they won’t seek reelection this year.