CHICAGO — Jesse Jackson Jr., once an Illinois representative, was unsuccessful in his bid to re-enter Congress on Tuesday. His attempt marked more than ten years since he resigned amid a federal corruption probe.
In the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 2nd district, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller outpaced Jackson and numerous other candidates. The seat is currently occupied by Rep. Robin Kelly, who opted to pursue a Senate seat.
Jackson’s campaign turned the election into a widely watched contest as he relied on his well-known name. However, his efforts to portray his past as a story of redemption fell short. Jackson resigned in 2012 and served prison time after admitting to wire and mail fraud for the misuse of $750,000 in campaign funds.
Conversely, Miller garnered widespread support throughout the district. Her campaign was boosted by more than $4 million in advertising from a group linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. This financial backing from Affordable Chicago Now provided her significant exposure on Chicago’s airwaves and through mailings that emphasized her achievements.
While Miller’s campaign gained momentum, a distinct political action committee, Leading the Future PAC, which receives funding from OpenAI stakeholders, invested over $1 million to back Jackson. This support came after Jackson expressed advocacy for the industry in various op-eds and advertisements.
Miller’s campaign emphasized her achievements in public health, safety, and fiscal oversight. She highlighted her deep roots with Democratic women’s organizations, serving as vice president of Illinois Democratic Women, a former president of the Democratic Women of the South Suburbs, and a prior board chair of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and its political action committee.
Throughout the campaign, Miller prided herself on refraining from negative attacks, claiming to be “the only candidate in the race” who maintained such an approach.
Other noteworthy contenders included state Sens. Robert Peters and Willie Preston.
The 2nd District extends from Chicago’s South Side to the southern suburbs and rural areas and leans heavily Democratic. Miller is anticipated to have an easy victory in the November election.
