How many years did Obama ran for president?

Barack Obama first ran for president in the 2008 election cycle. (He announced his intention to run in 2007, while he was still serving in the U.S. Senate.) In the 2008 election, Mr. Obama defeated his opponent, Senator John McCain, and was elected president. He assumed office in January 2009. He was then re-elected in November 2012, and began serving his second term in January 2013.