Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress

Son of civil rights icon and former congressman commences his campaign for Illinois’ Second Congressional District seat on his father’s 84^th birthday. See campaign video launch below

Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., a lifelong fighter for racial, social, and economic justice, today announced his candidacy for Illinois’ Second Congressional District and a return to his political career.

The launch date is special – it’s the birthday of his father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

“I’ve chosen this day to make a special announcement,” said Jackson Jr. in his official campaign launch video. “The 84th birthday of a man who inspired my life to public service. A man who blessed me with his name.”

Jackson Jr. attended the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco and said his father’s historic speech called him to a life of public service. His father’s words have since echoed with him on his own personal journey working toward redemption.

Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025 — Jesse Jackson Jr

“In that speech, my father said, ‘If in my low moments in word, deed, or attitude’ – and I might add judgment – ‘through some error of temper, taste or tone. I’ve caused anyone discomfort, created pain, or revived someone’s fears. That was not my truest self.

Please forgive me. I am not a perfect servant. I am a public servant. Doing my best against the odds. As I develop and serve, be patient. God is not finished with me yet.’”

“I am responding to a draft movement to enter this race. Like my father before me, I ask for your vote as a vote for a new direction for this district, this party and this nation.”

In his announcement, Jackson Jr. previewed plans he will unveil in the coming weeks, including a robust economic plan for the District. Job creation and increased access to affordable healthcare will be top priorities.

“Women should have better access to maternal care. Every resident in the second Congressional District should have access to a doctor and to care for mental health.”

After passage of the OBBB this summer, retired U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush led an effort along with other public officials, community voices, and business leaders to draft Jackson Jr. into the IL-02 race.

The group launched the Friends of Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory Committee in July to advance the draft effort.

Jackson Jr. asked the exploratory committee to collect 10,000 signatures for nominating petitions and to register 5,000 new voters in the Second Congressional District. The group delivered.

The Exploratory Committee commissioned a poll in July which showed Jackson Jr. with a significant lead over the field of potential contenders for the March 2026 Democratic primary.

“Jesse Jackson Jr. is a strong and proven voice, an accomplished legislator, and a passionate advocate for the marginalized and forgotten Americans of the Second Congressional District,” said Rush, who called Jackson “the most qualified and ready-made of all the candidates.”

“Jesse never missed a vote during his 17 years in Congress. He will fight to ensure no one is left behind,” added Rush.

Jackson Jr. previously represented the people of the District from 1995 until 2012. As Congressman, Jackson brought more than $968 million dollars in grants to the District and was known as a results-driven member of Congress.

His accomplishments included establishment of a national park in Pullman, providing freshwater to Ford Heights, purchase of 4,000 acres to build an inaugural airport, building a dozen new metro stations from Hyde Park to 93rd Street, changing municipal zip codes, and providing signage to identify towns and villages along the Bishop Ford Freeway and I-57.

Visit jessejacksonjrforcongress.com for more information and to get involved.

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Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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