Longtime U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush, who has represented Chicago since 1993, will not seek reelection in 2022, sources said Monday evening.
Rush, a Democrat who represents Illinois' 1st congressional district, will reportedly make a formal announcement Tuesday morning at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, which famously hosted Emmett Till's funeral in 1955. Rush introduced the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act HR 55, which was passed by the House of Representatives in December.
"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.
He is also a preacher and the only person to beat Barack Obama in an election - the 2000 Democratic primary for Illinois' 1st District.