Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is looking at mounting a return to politics in Illinois about 10 years after his release from prison for wire and mail fraud, Politico reports.
The Democrat, who is the son of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., previously served in Congress for 17 years before he resigned in 2012 due to physical and mental health issues. The next year, he pleaded guilty to one count of mail and wire fraud for violating campaign finance laws and served 30 months in prison before being released in March 2015.
Jackson became a radio commentator in the Chicago area following his release and is reportedly now talking to local residents and community leaders about making a run in 2026 for his old job representing Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of Chicago’s South Side and suburbs.
The seat is currently held by Democrat Robin Kelly, who is running for the Senate. If he runs, Jackson would likely face off in the Democrat primary against state Sen. Robert Peters, management consultant Eric France, and Adal Regis.
Bobby Rush, another former Illinois congressman, told Politico Playbook that Jackson is “the most qualified and ready-made of all the candidates” and would speak up for “the marginalized and the forgotten American citizens of the Second Congressional District.”
Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill also praised Jackson, saying his “toughness, dedication [and] invaluable knowledge” would help the district gain federal funding.
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