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. JesseJackson, 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 longtime 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, 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.