Overview

• Jackson formally entered the race on Oct. 8, timing his launch to his father’s 84th birthday and quoting the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s 1984 DNC speech to underscore a plea for forgiveness.
• He is emphasizing economic revitalization, job creation and expanded healthcare access, casting himself as an independent Democrat focused on district needs.
• Jackson previously resigned in 2012 and pleaded guilty in 2013 to misusing roughly $750,000 in campaign funds, serving about 30 months in prison, a record Republicans are highlighting in attacks.
• His exploratory operation is converting to a principal campaign committee, with the campaign citing thousands of nominating petition signatures and recent fundraising to be disclosed in FEC reports.
• The open, safely Democratic seat has drawn multiple contenders, including state Sens. Robert Peters and Willie Preston, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller and MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown, making the primary the decisive contest.