Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is quietly exploring a comeback in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District after more than a decade out of office — including a two-year prison term.
Jackson — the son of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and the brother of Rep. Jonathan Jackson — was a Democratic rising star who served in Congress 17 years before stepping down in 2012 due to health reasons. A federal conviction for campaign finance violations and prison time followed for him and his then-wife, Sandi, a former Chicago alderman.
After working as a Chicago radio commentator, Jackson is now talking to residents and community leaders about another run, motivated by what allies describe as concern about the ripple effect of President Donald Trump’s megabill that was signed into law July 4.
He has caught the attention of some key Democrats, including retired Rep. Bobby Rush, who said Jackson would give voice to “the marginalized and the forgotten American citizens of the Second Congressional District,” according to a statement he sent to Playbook. The district stretches through Chicago’s South Side, once a stronghold for Jackson, and into the suburbs.
The seat opened up when Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly, who has held the seat since 2013, announced she’s running for Senate earlier this year. Several notable names have said they’re entering the March Democratic primary, including state Sen. Robert Peters, management consultant Eric France and policy expert Adal Regis. Democratic Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller is also weighing a bid.
But Jackson, Rush said, would be “the most qualified and ready-made of all the candidates.”
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