run against

Also, run up against or run into . Encounter something, especially a difficulty, unexpectedly. For example, We didn't know we'd run up against so much opposition , or He ran into trouble with his taxes . [Late 1300s]
Work against, as in Public sentiment ran against her . [Late 1300s]
Oppose for elective office, as in Susan decided to run against a very popular incumbent . This usage is a figurative application of running in a footrace. [First half of 1800s]

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On virtually every important issue, they will run against their national party.

The firebrand union president, Karen Lewis, may run against Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

We need to get you elected to county commission, to the Ohio House, and then run against Boehner.

Instead, she said it was simply because she thought Obama would be the weakest Democrat to run against McCain.

Others are cravenly ready to run against the Affordable Care Act.

As Coronado lounged into the main doorway he was run against by a short, pursy old gentleman who was rushing out.

Coming out suddenly he had run against a man who was in a suspicious attitude at the entrance.

Supposing, as I expect, that we find that we merely run against inaccessible cliff, I want to know what you intend to do.

I guess my fists will lay out any kind of a ghost that I run against.

I fly from falling dust and brickbats, only to run against ladders and paint-pots.

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