In 1996, Obama won an Illinois state Senate seat. During his time in the Illinois Senate, Obama was instrumental in his work with both Democrats and Republicans toward the passage of legislation on ethics and health care reform. In addition, he was also responsible for legislation aimed at death penalty reform and the obligatory videotaping of homicide interrogations.
After four years in the State Senate, Obama ran an unsuccessful campaign in the primary election for a U.S. House of Representatives seat against incumbent Bobby Rush.
On July 27, 2004, Obama, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, was the keynote speaker at the Democratic National Convention. While his speech urged the nation to elect John Kerry for President, it was Obama’s story about his family, his political views, and his hope for a better future for America that spurred him into national prominence. With the momentum behind him, Obama won the Illinois U.S. Senate seat by a landslide over his Republican rival Alan Keyes.