This Giving Tuesday, help ensure voters have the information they need to make confident, informed decisions. Donate now!

Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This candidate is participating in a 2026 battleground election. Click here to read more about that election.
BP-Initials-UPDATED.png
This page was current at the end of the official's last term in office covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
Democratic Party
Candidate, U.S. House Illinois District 2
Prior offices:
U.S. House Illinois District 2
Years in office: 1995 - 2012
Successor: Robin Kelly (D)
Compensation
Net worth
(2012) $300,008
Elections and appointments
Next election
March 17, 2026
Education
Bachelor's
North Carolina A&T State University
Law
University of Illinois College of Law
Graduate
Chicago Theological Seminary
Personal
Religion
Christian: Baptist
Profession
Politician, Civil Rights Leader
Contact
Campaign website
Personal Facebook
Personal Instagram
Personal YouTube
Personal LinkedIn

Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 2nd Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the Democratic primary scheduled on March 17, 2026.[source]

Jackson (Democratic Party) was a member of the U.S. House, representing Illinois' 2nd Congressional District. He assumed office on December 12, 1995. He left office on November 21, 2012.

On November 21, 2012, Jackson resigned his seat effective immediately. A special election was held to fill his seat. He was succeeded by Robin Kelly (D)[1]

The Justice Department filed fraud and conspiracy charges against Jackson on February 15, 2013, saying that he used about $750,000 in campaign money for personal expenses.[2]

On August 14, 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson sentenced Jackson to 30 months in prison, following his guilty plea that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items.[3][4][5]

Biography

Jackson was born on March 11, 1965, in Greenville, South Carolina. Jackson graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1987, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management. Three years later, he earned a Master of Arts degree in theology from the Chicago Theological Seminary, and in 1993, received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law.[6]

2026 battleground election

See also: Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2026 (March 17 Democratic primary)

Ballotpedia identified the March 17, 2026, Democratic primary as a battleground election. The summary below is from our coverage of this election, found here.

Eleven candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Illinois' 2nd Congressional District on March 17, 2026. As of November 2025, Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D), Donna Miller (D), Robert Peters (D), and Willie Preston (D) led in fundraising and local media attention.[7]

Incumbent Robin Kelly (D), first elected in 2013, is running for U.S. Senate rather than seeking re-election, leaving the seat open. Kelly won re-election in 2024 68%–32%. The major race rating outlets rated the race as Solid Democratic, meaning the winner of this primary is likely to win the general election.

Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D) is a former nonprofit executive who represented the District from 1995 to 2012. Jackson served 23 months in prison after being found guilty in 2013 of spending $750,000 in campaign funds on personal expenses.[8] Jackson says he was "was one of the most effective members of Congress, delivering nearly a billion in grants and appropriations to the District."[9]

Miller was elected to the Cook County Commission in 2018. Miller's professional experience includes working as an independent consultant in sales training and marketing.[10] Miller says she has "spent her career serving the community and fighting to lower costs for working families, increase opportunity, and expand access to healthcare, particularly for women and communities of color."[11]

Peters is a majority whip in the Illinois Senate and was elected to the chamber in 2018. He previously worked as a community organizer with the nonprofit group Chicago Votes. Peters says he is running "to bring bold, progressive leadership to Washington on behalf of the communities of Illinois’ 2nd District."[12]

Preston is the chairman of the Illinois Senate Black Caucus and was first elected to the chamber in 2022. Preston's professional experience includes owning a construction firm and working as a janitor and carpenter.[13] Preston says he is running "because I know what it means to struggle – and to overcome. Together, we're going to bring back jobs and businesses to the Southland."[14]

Also running in the primary are Toni Brown (D), Yumeka Brown (D), Eric France (D), Patrick Keating (D), Sidney Moore (D), Adal Regis (D), and Jeremy Young (D).

Career

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2011-2012

Jackson served on the following committees:[6]

  • Appropriations Committee
    • Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education
    • Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Vice Chair
    • Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration

Elections

2026

See also: Illinois' 2nd Congressional District election, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on March 17, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Ashley Banks is running in the general election for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on November 3, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Ashley Banks
Ashley Banks (Independent) Candidate Connection

There are no incumbents in this race.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2026.

Candidate
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Toni Brown
Image of Yumeka Brown
Yumeka Brown
Image of Eric France
Eric France
Image of Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
Image of Patrick Keating
Patrick Keating
Image of Donna Miller
Donna Miller
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Sidney Moore
Image of Robert Peters
Robert Peters
Image of Willie Preston
Willie Preston
Image of Adal Regis
Adal Regis

Incumbents are bolded and underlined.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2

Mike Noack and Ashley Ramos are running in the Republican primary for U.S. House Illinois District 2 on March 17, 2026.

Candidate
Image of Mike Noack
Mike Noack
Image of Ashley Ramos
Ashley Ramos

There are no incumbents in this race.

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from RealClearPolitics, when available. We will regularly check for polling aggregation for this race and add polls here once available. To notify us of polls available for this race, please email us.

Election campaign finance

Name Party Receipts* Disbursements** Cash on hand Date
Yumeka Brown Democratic Party $69,400 $17,448 $51,953 As of September 30, 2025
Toni Brown Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Eric France Democratic Party $13,091 $11,283 $1,808 As of June 30, 2025
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. Democratic Party $95,029 $40,237 $54,792 As of September 30, 2025
Patrick Keating Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Donna Miller Democratic Party $242,494 $90,523 $151,971 As of September 30, 2025
Sidney Moore Democratic Party $0 $0 $0 Data not available***
Robert Peters Democratic Party $693,183 $347,495 $345,688 As of September 30, 2025
Willie Preston Democratic Party $79,354 $34,977 $44,377 As of September 30, 2025
Adal Regis Democratic Party $66,615 $47,934 $10,824 As of September 30, 2025

Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee."
** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election.
*** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

Satellite spending

See also: Satellite spending

Satellite spending describes political spending not controlled by candidates or their campaigns; that is, any political expenditures made by groups or individuals that are not directly affiliated with a candidate. This includes spending by political party committees, super PACs, trade associations, and 501(c)(4) nonprofit groups.[15][16][17]

If available, this section includes links to online resources tracking satellite spending in this election. To notify us of a resource to add, email us.

By candidate By election

Note: As of November 19, 2025, Toni Brown (D) and Sidney Moore (D) had not filed as candidates with the Federal Election Commission.


Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2012

See also: Illinois' 2nd Congressional District elections, 2012

Jackson ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 2nd District.

Jackson defeated challenger Debbie Halvorson in the Democratic primary on March 20, 2012.[18] In the Republican primary, Brian Woodworth defeated candidate James H. Taylor, Sr..[18] Jackson defeated Woodworth in the general election on November 6, 2012.

An October 2012 article in The Daily named Jackson one of the 20 worst candidates in 2012.[19]

Jackson resigned on November 21, 2012 amid health issues and federal investigations. He is quoted in his resignation letter as saying he's "doing my best to address the situation responsibly, cooperate with the investigators, and accept responsibility for my mistakes, for they are my mistakes and mine alone.” A special election was held to fill his vacated seat.[20]

U.S. House, Illinois District 2 General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngJesse Jackson Jr. Incumbent 63.3% 188,303
     Republican Brian Woodworth 23.2% 69,115
     Independent Marcus Lewis 13.5% 40,006
Total Votes 297,424
Source: Illinois Board of Elections "2012 General Election Official Vote Totals"
U.S. House, Illinois District 2 Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngJesse Jackson, Jr. Incumbent 71.2% 56,109
Deborah Halvorson 28.8% 22,672
Total Votes 78,781

Full history



Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 23,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

Help improve Ballotpedia - send us candidate contact info.

Campaign website

Jackson's campaign website stated the following:

A VISIONARY ECONOMIC PLAN

Jesse Jackson Jr. represented Illinois' Second Congressional District for 17 years and served as a Member of the powerful Appropriations Committee. Political and business leaders who drafted him to enter the race know the former congressman would use his considerable knowledge, intellect and experience to help improve quality of life across the District. Jesse Jackson Jr. was considered one of the hardest-working and most effective members of Congress. He never missed a vote and he delivered nearly a billion dollars in federal grants and appropriations to the District.

At this critical time, when political chaos is hurting Americans and jobs are being lost, we need a proven fighter in Congress who has the experience and skill to get things done. No other candidate in the race can match Jesse Jackson Jr.'s track record of results.

Jesse Jackson Jr. championed building a third full-service airport in the Chicago Southland that would create thousands of new jobs, stimulate economic development, and lift every community in the District. His economic plan to connect the District to the global economy would advance construction of the airport, address access and affordability, and create unprecedented opportunity.

During his 17 years of service to the people of Illinois' Second Congressional District, Jesse Jackson Jr. led the effort to establish a third regional airport in the Southland. His economic plan to connect the District to the global economy represents a visionary approach to job creation, higher wages, and development in every community.

Jesse Jackson Jr. worked with four Illinois governors to purchase the land that comprises the inaugural footprint of the third airport, now in the middle of the District. He was the first to envision and initiate a Public Private Partnership to advance the project.

Jesse Jackson Jr. navigated political and bureaucratic hurdles to advance his plan for the third airport. His effectiveness against all odds brought the third airport to a crucial threshold, ready for construction and poised to bring thousands of new jobs.

Jesse Jackson Jr. believes that every person should have the ability to earn a good wage and get ahead. He will work to create more opportunities for residents across the District.

Jesse Jackson Jr. says we must find ways to lower prices and make life in America more affordable because many families are hard-pressed to keep up with rising costs of gas, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and housing. He is committed to reducing inflation.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to provide more job training in high-demand areas, particularly in technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, hospitality, retail, and the skilled trades experiencing growth and bring more of those opportunities to the District.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will fight for higher wages and new jobs to the Second Congressional District. He says we must bridge the digital divide so everyone, including those in rural and unincorporated areas, have full connectivity and access to the Internet.

Jesse Jackson Jr. believes small and minority businesses deserve more support and will work with Second District residents to assist them in obtaining SBA loans and access to capital. He is an advocate of entrepreneurs and will work to provide them with resources.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to advance equity in lending and will facilitate meetings with banks and financial institutions to discuss credit and loan practices. He will provide a staff resource to assist District residents in obtaining loans and funding.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will lead creation of workforce development programs in collaboration with junior colleges, colleges, and universities to train workers in high-demand areas and help provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in the modern economy.

Jesse Jackson Jr. supports working people and will fight to protect the right to collective bargaining when workers choose to organize and voice their workplace concerns and goals.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will encourage policies that promote public-private partnerships with business and industry to develop programs that promote innovation in job creation and enhance job-readiness in urban, rural, and suburban areas.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will support paid parental leave and expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare so women and men can affordably care for their children will advancing their careers. He will work to remove barriers keeping women out of the workforce.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to support growth and expansion for companies who exist in and have invested in the 2nd Congressional District. He will also recruit more businesses to the District to create jobs and boost tax revenues.

Jesse Jackson Jr. supports the expansion of broadband and Internet services throughout the Second Congressional District, especially in rural areas. This is necessary for businesses, healthcare, and educational institutions, which rely on connectivity to function.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to develop a framework to responsibly address reasonable regulation for cryptocurrency to protect consumers and investors.


INVESTING IN EDUCATION

Education is key to a robust economic future for the District and a centerpiece of Jesse's visionary plan. He will work to improve every level of public education. Jesse knows we must increase teacher salaries and provide a more supportive school environment with deeper resources for students, parents and teachers. Jesse was known as one of education's most dedicated advocates during his 17 years in Congress. He will prioritize addressing teacher shortages and providing more support to help teachers succeed.

Jesse Jackson Jr. would make improving public education at all levels a top priority. He says we must improve the education of our youth by addressing key areas like classroom size and tutoring. He will work to increase teacher salaries and provide more professional development opportunities for teachers.

Jesse Jackson Jr. knows we must work to have a better school environment for students and teachers. Illinois has implemented initiatives like the Teacher Vacancy Grant to address teacher shortages and offers resources for professional development and grant opportunities.

He will focus on creating a positive school culture that values teachers and students and provides them with opportunities for growth and development. Jesse Jackson Jr. will ensure that every student in the Second Congressional District has access to a quality education and schools equipped with the modernized infrastructure and technology required to succeed.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will prioritize restoration of the U.S. Department of Education and the resources it provides, especially for schools in underserved urban and rural communities.

Jesse Jackson Jr. will work hard to increase federal funding for school modernization to upgrade and renovate facilities. He deeply believes every student should have opportunity to attend a school with modern technology and access to a good education.

Jesse Jackson Jr. emphasizes the importance of increasing access to mental health services in schools by having more mental health medical professionals, counselors and resources.


BUILDING SAFER, STRONGER COMMUNITIES

Jesse Jackson Jr. will work to transform the economy across the District so every person has the opportunity to grow, thrive and have their constitutional rights protected. His goal is for every community and every person in the District to feel safe. He knows safer communities are essential for a better quality of life across the District. That's why he would work to address gun violence, reduce crime, and make our streets safer.

Jesse Jackson Jr. prioritizes public safety and would work with leaders across the Second Congressional District to create communities where people feel safe enough to walk without fear. He would work to get guns off our streets and make our neighborhoods safer.

Across the District, disparities exist in education, healthcare, and income. Jesse Jackson Jr. has a visionary economic plan to connect Illinois' Second Congressional District to the global economy. He has already advanced this project against all odds. Jesse worked with four governors to buy the land for a third regional airport, ready for construction just as O'Hare and Midway reach capacity.

Over his 17 year congressional career, Jesse Jackson Jr. was one of the most effective members of Congress who never missed a vote and brought back nearly a billion in federal grants to build and benefit the District. He knows that robust economic growth with more jobs and higher wages is the most effective path to better public safety.

Jesse Jackson Jr. would work with law enforcement, elected officials, and residents to make our communities safer. He would assemble influential coalitions to advance sensible criminal justice and prison reform. He would be a fierce advocate for more job placement and training resources to help returning citizens rejoin society and contribute to their communities.

Jesse Jackson Jr. has consistently supported legislation to remove the check box that asks if job applicants have a criminal record.

Jesse Jackson Jr. knows community safety is closely tied to a stronger local economy, police and community relations. He would work with community leaders across the District to ensure they have adequate first responder resources and police protection.

Jesse Jackson Jr. is a generational fighter for voting rights and, from a young age, worked with his father the Reverend Jesse Jackson, to advance civil rights. He will fight to ensure every person in the District has the right to vote without interference.


HEALTHCARE IS A PRIORITY

Recently passed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) threaten to take healthcare and food benefits from thousands of Illinoisians. Hospitals dependent on Medicaid will be forced to reduce services or close entirely. Jesse Jackson Jr. would fight these cuts. Beyond restoring healthcare and food benefits, Jesse will work with urgency to address the maternal care shortage crisis, create more resources for caregivers, and expand access to care for mental health.

The One Big Brutal Bill passed this summer will rip Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) from thousands of residents across Illinois' Second Congressional District. Millions will lose their health coverage, and hospitals dependent on Medicaid may be forced to close.

Jesse Jackson Jr. is prepared to fight these cuts and would push Congress to restore life-saving benefits.

Residents in rural areas in the District should not be expected to drive more than 30 minutes to an hour to the nearest emergency room or 24-hour urgent care facility. Mothers cannot afford long commutes to a labor and delivery unit amid a surging shortage crisis in maternal care resources.

In Congress, Jesse Jackson Jr. was effective in expanding access to healthcare. He will work to:

Strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including restoring federal subsidies and ensuring that every person in Illinois can get access to primary care and an annual checkup.

Advocate for policies that prioritize healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality of care with a focus on addressing disparities in underserved communities.

Expand healthcare networks, increase funding for community health centers and foster partnerships with reputable healthcare companies capable of delivering quality, affordable healthcare to the Second Congressional District so that the care we deserve is available on time, every time.

Champion expanded access and coverage for mental health resources, including federal funding for community health centers and crisis intervention programs. Support legislation to expand Medicaid coverage for mental health services.

Be a fierce advocate to address the maternal health crisis for all and address the disproportionate impact on rural communities and Black and Hispanic mothers and infants.

Protect reproductive rights and a woman’s right to choose to ensure every patient can make their own healthcare decisions, on their own, for their own well-being.

Build out healthcare networks in rural communities through grants that leverage partnerships with our community colleges and existing healthcare providers to reach more people.

— Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.'s campaign website (December 1, 2025)

Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Campaign ads


Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.


Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2026* U.S. House Illinois District 2Candidacy Declared primary$95,029 $40,237
2012U.S. House (Illinois, District 2)Won $1,003,682 N/A**
2010U.S. House (Illinois, District 2)Won $795,723 N/A**
2008U.S. House (Illinois, District 2)Won $1,189,930 N/A**
2006U.S. House (Illinois, District 2)Won $1,084,135 N/A**
2004U.S. House (Illinois, District 2)Won $886,995 N/A**
2002U.S. House (Illinois, District 2)Won $738,829 N/A**
2000U.S. House (Illinois, District 2)Won $545,037 N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Noteworthy events

Illness (2012)

On June 26, 2012, Jackson's office released a statement about Jackson's absence since June 10, 2012.[29] According to the statement, Jackson was on medical leave from Congress and was being treated for exhaustion.[30][29] Following that, Senator Dick Durbin called on Jackson to release further details on his condition.[31] Durbin stated at a Chicago press conference on July 9, "As a public official, there comes a point when you have a responsibility to tell the public what's going on...Mr. Jackson will soon have to make a report on the physical condition he's struggling with."[31]

During his reported treated for bipolar depression, Jackson missed a number of votes. In 2012, he missed 178 roll-call votes, 32 percent of the total number. It was not known when he planned to return to office.[32]

Reportedly due to his illness, Jackson was not visible during the 2012 campaign for district representative. Some observers stated that it was likely Jackson would still win the district. Brian Woodworth and Marcus Lewis said they were hopeful that they could garner support from his absence. According to an analysis published in The New York Times, Jackson's district underwent changes as part of redistricting. Although there were fewer African Americans in the district, that was not expected to be an issue in the 2012 election. Campaign advisers for Jackson stated that he would appear in public again as soon as it was okay with Jackson's doctor. Some residents of the district gave their support to Jackson and said they sympathize with his illness.[33]

Finance probe (2012)

The FBI first initiated a probe in 2012 regarding allegedly suspicious activities involving Jackson's finances related to his seat in the 2nd Congressional District, including possible inappropriate expenditures. This investigation, coupled with Jackson's continued absence from campaigning, reportedly caused rumors to fly with no answers being given by staff.[34] According to news accounts, Jackson entered a plea deal with the Justice Department which then led him to resign from his congressional seat and he plead guilty to charges of misusing campaign funds. Jackson was also required to pay back any campaign money which was used for personal use. A special election was held for Jackson's seat after he resigned.[35][36]

Fraud and conspiracy charges (2013)

The Justice Department filed fraud and conspiracy charges on February 15, 2013, against Jackson, saying that he used about $750,000 in campaign money for personal expenses.[2] He agreed to plead guilty to the charges.[2][36] Jackson’s wife, Sandra Stevens, was also charged with one count of filing false tax returns. According to documents relating to the charges, Jackson used the campaign money to buy memorabilia related to Bruce Lee, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jimi Hendrix, a mink parka, and a Michael Jackson fedora and cashmere capes.[2]

Federal prosecutors pushed for a four-year prison sentence for Jackson after he pleaded guilty in February 2013.[36] Under the recommendations from the prosecutors he would also have been forced to forfeit the $750,000 he allegedly stole from his campaign and pay back another $750,000 to his re-election committee, which would be taken over and run by a non-family member.[36]

Sentenced to prison (2013)

On August 14, 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson sentenced Jackson to 30 months in prison, following his guilty plea that he engaged in a scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items.[3][37][5]

Jackson and his wife, Sandra Stevens Jackson, pleaded guilty in February 2013 to using about $750,000 in campaign funds to pay for high-end items.[5]

“I misled the American people, I misled the House of Representatives. I was wrong and I do not fault anyone,” Jackson told Judge Amy Berman Jackson at the sentencing.[5]

Judge Amy Berman Jackson said that as a public official, Jackson was supposed to live up to a higher standard.[3] His wife, who also plead guilty to the charges, was sentenced to 12 months.[38][38]

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Jesse + Jackson + Illinois + House


Jesse Jackson News Feed

See also

2026 Elections

Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
What's on the ballot?
U.S. Congress
U.S. Congress special elections
State executives
State legislatures
State courts
Ballot measures
Municipal government
School boards
Election analysis hub

Government

Seal of Illinois.png
Who represents me?
U.S. Congress
State executives
State legislators
State courts
Ballot measures
Municipal government
School boards

Newsletters

Ballotpedia RSS.jpg
The Daily Brew
The Weekly Brew
The Ballot Bulletin
Checks and Balances
Economy and Society
Hall Pass
Number of the Day
Robe & Gavel
Union Station


External links

Candidate

U.S. House Illinois District 2
  • Website
    		•

    Personal

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
    		•

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Politico, "Jesse Jackson Jr. resigns from Congress" accessed November 21, 2012
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 New York Times, "Jesse Jackson Jr. Charged in Misuse of Campaign Money" accessed February 15, 2013
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 ABC News, "Prison for Former Ill. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.," accessed August 14, 2013
    4. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Judge sentences Jesse Jackson Jr. to 30 months in prison," accessed August 14, 2013
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Washington Post, "Jesse L. Jackson Jr. sentenced to 30 months in prison," accessed August 14, 2013
    6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Jesse L. Jackson, Jr Representing Illinois' 2nd Congressional District, "About" accessed October 30, 2011
    7. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Top candidates for the US House in Illinois’ 2nd, 7th, 8th and 9th districts for the 2026 election," August 19, 2025
    8. ↑ CBS News, "Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. announces campaign for old seat," October 8, 2025
    9. ↑ Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. campaign website, "About," accessed November 21, 2025
    10. ↑ LinkedIn, "Donna Miller," accessed November 21, 2025
    11. ↑ Donna Miller campaign website, "Meet Donna," accessed November 21, 2025
    12. ↑ Robert Peters campaign website, "About Robert Peters," accessed November 21, 2025
    13. ↑ Willie Preston campaign website, "Home page," accessed November 21, 2025
    14. ↑ YouTube, "Preston for Congress Official Launch Video," August 19, 2025
    15. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Outside Spending," accessed December 12, 2021
    16. ↑ OpenSecrets.org, "Total Outside Spending by Election Cycle, All Groups," accessed December 12, 2021
    17. ↑ National Review.com, "Why the Media Hate Super PACs," December 12, 2021
    18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 ABC News 7, "Election Results Primary 2012," accessed March 20, 2012 (dead link)
    19. ↑ The Daily, "The worst candidates of 2012," accessed October 29, 2012
    20. ↑ Politico, "Jesse Jackson Jr. resigns from Congress" accessed November 21, 2012
    21. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
    22. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
    23. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
    24. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
    25. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
    26. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2000," accessed March 28, 2013
    27. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 3, 1998," accessed March 28, 2013
    28. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 1996," accessed March 28, 2013
    29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Chicago Tribune, "Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. on medical leave, exhaustion cited" accessed July 10, 2012
    30. ↑ Chicago Business, "Rep. Jackson says medical condition 'more serious' than first thought" accessed July 10, 2012
    31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Chicago Business, "Durbin says Jackson must talk 'soon' about health woes" accessed July 10, 2012
    32. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Return uncertain for 2 Illinois members of Congress," September 10, 2012
    33. ↑ The New York Times, "In Illinois, Jackson Runs Unseen," October 2, 2012
    34. ↑ Chicago Sun-Times, "Feds probe ‘suspicious activity’ in Jesse Jackson Jr.’s finances: sources," October 12, 2012
    35. ↑ CBS Chicago, "Former U.S. Prosecutor Negotiating Plea Deal For Jackson Jr.," November 9, 2012
    36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 Politico, "Feds: 4 years in prison for ex-Rep. Jackson Jr." accessed June 7, 2013
    37. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Judge sentences Jesse Jackson Jr. to 30 months in prison," accessed August 14, 2013
    38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 ABC News, "Jesse Jackson Jr. sentenced to 30 mos. in prison; Sandi Jackson gets 1 year," accessed August 16, 2013

    Political offices
    Preceded by
    -     		U.S. House Illinois District 2
    1995-2012    		 Succeeded by
    Robin Kelly (D)


    Illinois' current delegation to the United States Congress
    Senators
    Tammy Duckworth (D)
    Dick Durbin (D)
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    District 3
    District 4
    District 5
    District 6
    District 7
    District 8
    District 9
    District 10
    District 11
    District 12
    Mike Bost (R)
    District 13
    District 14
    District 15
    District 16
    District 17
    Democratic Party (16)
    Republican Party (3)


    Flag of Illinois
    v • e
    State of Illinois
    Springfield (capital)
    Elections

    What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

    Government

    Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy


    Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Jesse_L._Jackson,_Jr.&oldid=10695872"