Jesse Jackson Jr. launches House comeback bid
Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. formally announced on Oct. 8, 2025 that he is running to reclaim the Illinois House seat he vacated in 2013, releasing a campaign video in which he appealed for forgiveness and said he was responding to a 'draft movement.' The seat is open because Rep. Robin Kelly is running for the U.S. Senate; Jackson enters a crowded Democratic primary that includes state Sens. Robert Peters and Willie Preston, Cook County commissioner Donna Miller, Water Reclamation District commissioner Yumeka Brown and strategist Adal Regis.
Politics
Elections
đ Key Facts
- Announcement date: Oct. 8, 2025 (video release reported by Axios)
- Seat open because Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) is running for U.S. Senate
- Jackson previously resigned in 2013 and was convicted and imprisoned for diverting campaign funds (this background is cited in the article)