Some Chicago Dems clamoring for ex-con to run for Congress again

Former Democratic Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who went to prison for using campaign funds for personal expenses, is reportedly considering another congressional run in the midterms.

Jackson is speaking to members of his community to evaluate whether a run for his former seat in Congress is viable, according to ABC7 Chicago. Jackson is the son of left-wing activist and politician Rev. Jesse Jackson, who notably ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, finishing in third and second place respectively.

Those supporting Jackson, including community activist Hermene Hartman and former Democratic Illinois Rep. Bobby Rush, a former Black Panther Party member, are urging him to “Run Jesse Run,” according to ABC7.

Illinois’s 2nd Congressional District seat, Jackson’s former seat, is open in 2026 as incumbent Democratic Illinois Rep. Robin Kelly is running for the Senate to replace retiring Democratic Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin. Kelly filled the seat in a special election after Jackson resigned due to mental and physical health problems, marital struggles, and his federal investigation.

Jackson’s brother, Democratic Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson, currently represents Illinois’ 1st congressional district, which was formerly held by Rush.

“He knows how to cross the aisle, he knows how to be persuasive, he knows the rules of government, and for that reason, I think this is his time to run for Congress,” Hartman told ABC7.

Jackson and his now-ex-wife, former Chicago City Council Alderman Sandi Jackson, pleaded guilty to wire and mail fraud in 2013 to use over $750,000 in campaign funds for their personal expenses. The former congressman served federal prison time for about a year and a half and was released in 2015. His family was concerned about his mental health and his bipolar diagnosis throughout his trial.

“This has been an extraordinarily difficult time for our family. I speak really today as a father,” Rev. Jesse Jackson said in 2013 to ABC7. “Jesse’s been very sick. This time a year ago I really thought we may have lost him. I think he’s strong enough now to accept the challenges put before him by the judge. This has been a very painful journey for our family.”

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