Chicago City Wire

Jesse Jackson Jr., a former congressman from Chicago, may seek to return to politics by running for Illinois’ 2nd congressional district seat. The possibility follows the formation of the Friends of Jesse Jackson Jr. for Congress 2026 Exploratory Committee. This comes as current representative Robin Kelly prepares a run for the U.S. Senate, aiming to replace retiring Senator Dick Durbin.

Jackson previously represented the 2nd district until his resignation in 2012, two weeks after being reelected for a seventh term. His departure came amid legal troubles; in 2013, he pleaded guilty to misusing $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items and served a year-and-a-half prison sentence. His then-wife Sandi Jackson also pleaded guilty to a tax charge related to these activities and was imprisoned for 11 months.

The district stretches from Hyde Park on Chicago’s South Side into central Illinois and is considered heavily gerrymandered. Jonathan Jackson, Jesse’s brother, currently represents the neighboring 1st District.

During his time in Congress, Jesse Jackson Jr. was known for his left-leaning voting record and consistent attendance at House votes until June 2012 when he sought treatment for bipolar disorder at the Mayo Clinic.

Illinois law prohibits felons from holding state office but does not prevent them from running for federal positions such as seats in the House or Senate.

Jackson's name surfaced during investigations into then-Governor Rod Blagojevich’s alleged attempt to sell Barack Obama’s vacated U.S. Senate seat. Although Jackson denied involvement, testimony revealed that one of his fundraisers had offered substantial financial support if Blagojevich appointed him.

After serving his sentence, Jackson has worked as a radio host at KBLA 1580 AM in Los Angeles and produces “The Jesse Jackson Jr. Show.”

Recent polling paid for by Jackson’s exploratory committee showed him leading with 21 percent among Democratic candidates ahead of the March primary election; however, many voters remain undecided.

With several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination—and given the way the district is drawn—the eventual nominee is expected to be favored strongly in next autumn’s general election.

If elected alongside his brother Jonathan Jackson, there could be two members of the Jackson family representing Illinois Democrats in Congress by 2027.