Jesse Jackson Jr. 2025: Many encouraging former congressman to run for Robin Kelly's seat in Washington
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Is former congressman Jesse Jackson Junior planning a political comeback?

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

He has been out of office for years and served a two-year prison term. But now, he could be eyeing a return to Washington.

Jackson says he is testing the waters by talking to residents and certain community leaders.

Sources tell ABC7 he was approached by people to give it another political try.

“Run Jesse Run” is what supporters of Jesse Jackson Junior are encouraging him to do.

The former congressman of the 2nd district is considering running again for the seat he held for 17 years prior to his conviction for a federal campaign finance violation, which resulted in his imprisonment.

“He has served his sentence and fulfilled his obligations, and now seems like the right moment for his return to Congress,” expressed Activist Hermene Hartman from N’Digo Media. “The political landscape has evolved significantly since his last tenure in Congress.”

Hartman is one of several people, including former Chicago Congressman Bobby Rush, who is pushing Jackson to run.

His old seat is currently held by Congresswoman Robin Kelly. She is running for U.S. Senate – leaving the race wide open.

“He possesses the ability to collaborate across party lines, effectively negotiate, and understands governmental procedures, which is why I believe this is an opportune time for him to pursue a congressional run,” Hartman stated.

Jackson told ABC7 he was unavailable for interviews, but he is spending his time listening to residents in a district that includes urban, suburban and rural areas.

Despite his criminal past, ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington predicts voters will give Jackson the benefit of the doubt.

“I think this is a period in American history where people are very fond of thinking of redemption and thinking of people paying a price and then moving on to future success,” Washington said.

As the son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson Sr, Washington said Jackson has the benefit of name recognition.

His brother, Jonathon Jackson, easily won Illinois’ first Congress Congressional district.

“His brother was a shoe in because of his name, he has no track record or very little way of political track record,” Washington said.

Illinois State Senator Robert Peters has already announced his candidacy for Kelly’s seat. While he would not answer the question directly about Jackson, Peter’s said he is the right person to fight against Donald Trump’s policies.

“My hope is to be represent the future moving forward when it comes to this district, and that’s someone who has a track record of fighting for working people,” Peters said.

Besides Peters, there are at least three others running or weighing a bid for the Democratic primary in the 2nd District. Jackson is likely to make a decision on his future political plans soon.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Police arrest international traveler allegedly carrying nearly $3M in drugs bound for Brazil

International Traveler Arrested for Allegedly Smuggling Drugs Worth $3M to Brazil

Police arrested a man who allegedly tried to carry almost $3 million…
Officers' unexpected pizza delivery goes viral after holiday traffic stop arrest

Officers’ Surprise Pizza Delivery During Holiday Traffic Stop Arrest Goes Viral

A viral video shows a pair of police officers in Arizona helping…
Chicago missing woman: Family searching for Felecia Bates, at-risk woman last seen near South Side CTA bus stop nearly 2 weeks ago

Chicago Woman Missing: Family Seeks Felecia Bates, At-Risk Individual Last Spotted Near South Side CTA Bus Stop Nearly 2 Weeks Ago

CHICAGO (WLS) — A South Side community is searching for an at-risk…
WWII American warship's severed bow found 80 years after being blown off in battle

WWII American warship’s detached bow discovered 80 years after battle explosion

A team of researchers has uncovered a historic bow that was detached…
Kanye West slams ex-assistant's 'absurd' sexual assault claims

Kanye West Denies Former Assistant’s ‘Outrageous’ Sexual Assault Allegations

Kanye West has responded to the updated lawsuit filed by his former…
Trump economic adviser says White House probing Fed renovation costs, authority to fire Powell

Trump Economic Adviser Reports White House Investigation into Federal Reserve Renovation Costs and Authority to Dismiss Fed Chair Powell

President Trump holds the power to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell…
Woman in hospital bed holding teddy bear.

Backpacker Rescued After 12 Days in Australian Outback Reveals Dramatic Reason for Abandoning Car

A GERMAN backpacker who spend nearly two weeks lost in the Australian…
Donald Trump being helped off stage at a campaign event.

Why a Major Tragedy Was Nearly Averted in the Trump Assassination Attempt – More Needs to Be Done

A FORMER Secret Service agent has highlighted that Donald Trump’s troubled rally…
Matthew McConaughey praised for sweet gesture upon Prince William and Kate Middleton's Wimbledon arrival

Matthew McConaughey Commended for Thoughtful Act During Wimbledon Visit by Prince William and Princess Kate

The perfect gentleman. Matthew McConaughey was praised for standing up for Prince…

Concerns for Pastor John MacArthur, 86, as He Faces Life-Threatening Illness; Church Requests Prayers

INFLUENTIAL California Pastor John MacArthur has been hospitalized with a life-threatening illness…
Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, Oldest Living U.S. Marine, Celebrates 105th Birthday

Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, the Oldest Living Marine in the U.S., Celebrates 105th Birthday

Congressman Aderholt honors 105-year-old Marine veteran Roy Drinkard with a Capitol flag…
Manuel Jose Rosales Yajure identified as Streamwood man who died after found at Centennial Beach: Naperville Police Department

The Naperville Police Department reports that the man who passed away after being found at Centennial Beach has been identified as Manuel Jose Rosales Yajure from Streamwood.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) — The 27-year-old Streamwood man who died after being…