President Obama's Political Career

Starts plans to run for Illinois Senate seat

Aug 7, 1995

Obama files paperwork to run for Illinois Senate seat formerly belonging to Alice Palmer.

Elected to Illinois Senate

Nov 5, 1996

Obama is elected to Illinois Senate, which happens to have majority of Republicans.

Begins running for US Senate

Jan 21, 2003

Obama begins running for US Senate in 2003. Within the next year, the leading Democratic candidate will withdrae due to a public sex scandal.

Elected to US Senate

Nov 2, 2004

Obama is elected to US Senate with 70% of the vote.

Begins running for POTUS

Feb 10, 2007

Obama begins running for President of the United States of America.

Wins Presidency

Jan 20, 2009

Obama is inaugurated as President (for the first time) after defeating Republican nominee John McCain in the general election.