Former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. Initiates Exploratory Committee for 2026 Congressional Bid in Illinois's 2nd District

Former U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. has filed an exploratory committee to potentially run for Congress in Illinois's 2nd Congressional District in 2026. The filing, under the name "Friends of Jesse Jackson for Congress 2026 Expl...", signals a possible return to politics for Jackson Jr. over a decade after his resignation and subsequent federal conviction. Campaign finance researcher Rob Pyers noted the development on social media, stating, "The FEC filings for this one should be fun."

Jackson Jr., 60, previously served as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 2nd district from 1995 until his resignation in November 2012. His departure from Congress was initially attributed to health issues, including treatment for bipolar disorder. However, it was followed by a federal investigation into his campaign finances.

In 2013, Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of wire and mail fraud, admitting to misusing approximately $750,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses. He was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and was released in 2015. His then-wife, Sandi Jackson, also served time for filing false tax returns related to the scheme.

The formation of an exploratory committee allows Jackson Jr. to raise and spend money to test the viability of a campaign before formally declaring his candidacy. This move comes as the 2nd Congressional District seat is set to open, with current Congresswoman Robin Kelly announcing her bid for the U.S. Senate. The district, a Democratic stronghold, is already attracting other notable names for the March Democratic primary, including State Senator Robert Peters.

Jackson Jr. has recently been more public about his past and his desire for a presidential pardon, advocating for himself and others with criminal records to have opportunities to restart their lives. He has expressed interest in public service, including broadcast journalism, and has reflected on the challenges of rebuilding a career after his conviction. His father, civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., has also publicly supported his son's pursuit of a pardon.