Challenges in the Life of Jesse Jackson Jr. in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Jesse Jackson Jr.'s life and career.

Jesse Louis Jackson Jr. is a former American politician who represented Illinois's 2nd congressional district from 1995 to 2012. As a Democrat and the son of Jesse Jackson, he was involved in his father's presidential campaign and Operation PUSH before entering politics. His wife, Sandi Jackson, was a Chicago City Council member. He co-chaired Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and maintained a liberal stance on social and fiscal issues, co-authoring books on civil rights and personal finance.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1991: Linked to Alleged Drug Trafficker

In 1991, Jesse Jackson Jr. was linked to alleged Nigerian drug trafficker Pius Ailemen, who was initially supposed to be Jackson's best man at his wedding, leading to an FBI investigation.

1998: Withheld support for local Democrats who would not support the third Chicago airport

Jesse Jackson Jr. withheld support for local Democrats who would not support the third Chicago airport, such as 1998 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Glenn Poshard.

2000: Objected to counting Florida's electoral votes

In 2000, Jesse Jackson Jr. and other members of the House of Representatives objected to counting the 25 electoral votes from Florida, which George W. Bush narrowly won. The objection was dismissed by Vice President Al Gore.

2000: Sought to prevent blacks from supporting George W. Bush

In late 2000, as George W. Bush planned to appoint multiple black individuals to his cabinet, Jesse Jackson Jr. sought to prevent blacks from supporting Bush.

January 6, 2001: Objected to counting Florida's electoral votes

On January 6, 2001, Jesse Jackson Jr. and other members of the House of Representatives objected to counting the 25 electoral votes from Florida, which George W. Bush narrowly won. The objection was dismissed by Vice President Al Gore.

2002: Challenged in Democratic Primary

In 2002, Jesse Jackson Jr. faced challenges in the Democratic primary, including allegations of a bogus candidate planted to confuse voters. Jesse L. Jackson withdrew his candidacy after the unexpected deaths of his wife and grandson.

2003: Ailemen's Petition Denied

In 2003, Pius Ailemen's petition for a writ of certiorari was denied; Ailemen questioned Jackson's activities as a government informant during Ailemen's trial.

2009: Named One of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress

In 2009, Jesse Jackson Jr. was named one of the 15 most corrupt members of Congress by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington due to his role in a scandal.

September 2010: Senate Appointment Allegations

In September 2010, allegations surfaced that fundraiser Nayak acted as a go-between for Jackson and Blagojevich, claiming Jackson would help Blagojevich raise $6 million in exchange for the Senate appointment, leading to a Congressional ethics investigation.

June 10, 2012: Medical leave of absence from the House

On June 10, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr. took a medical leave of absence from the House, citing exhaustion.

July 11, 2012: Treatment for a mood disorder

On July 11, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s office announced that he was being treated for a mood disorder at a residential treatment facility.

July 12, 2012: Absence from Congress Acknowledged

On July 12, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s office acknowledged his absence from Congress since June 10, stating he was receiving intensive medical treatment for a mood disorder.

July 27, 2012: Treatment at Mayo Clinic

On July 27, 2012, it was announced that Jesse Jackson Jr. was undergoing evaluation for depression and gastrointestinal issues at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

August 13, 2012: Confirmed treatment for bipolar disorder

On August 13, 2012, news outlets confirmed that Jesse Jackson Jr. was being treated for bipolar disorder.

October 2012: Financial Improprieties Investigation

In October 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr. was under investigation for financial improprieties, including misuse of campaign funds.

October 2012: Investigation for alleged financial improprieties

In October 2012, federal prosecutors and FBI agents investigated Jesse Jackson Jr. for alleged financial improprieties.

November 21, 2012: Resignation from Congress

On November 21, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned from Congress, citing mental and physical health problems, including bipolar disorder and gastrointestinal problems.

2012: Resigned from Congress

In 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned from his position as the U.S. Representative from Illinois's 2nd congressional district.

February 8, 2013: Admission of Campaign Law Violation

On February 8, 2013, Jesse Jackson Jr. admitted to violating federal campaign law by using campaign funds to make personal purchases.

February 15, 2013: Justice Department filed charges

On February 15, 2013, the Justice Department filed charges against Jesse Jackson Jr. related to the misuse of $750,000 of campaign funds.

February 2013: Signed plea agreements

In early February 2013, Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife Sandi signed plea agreements. Jackson Jr. agreed to plead guilty to charges of fraud, conspiracy, making false statements, mail fraud, wire fraud, and criminal forfeiture, related to misusing campaign funds for personal purchases.

February 20, 2013: Guilty Plea to Wire and Mail Fraud

On February 20, 2013, Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of wire and mail fraud.

June 7, 2013: Prosecutors sought four-year prison sentence

On June 7, 2013, federal prosecutors indicated that they sought a four-year prison sentence for Jesse Jackson Jr.

August 14, 2013: Sentenced to Federal Prison

On August 14, 2013, Jesse Jackson Jr. was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

October 26, 2013: Reported to prison

On October 26, 2013, Jesse Jackson Jr. reported to the Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina, to begin serving his prison sentence.

July 14, 2016: Divorce Filing

On July 14, 2016, Jesse Jackson Jr. filed for divorce from his wife in Cook County, Illinois.

2024: Sought Presidential Pardon

At the end of 2024, Jesse Jackson Jr. and other Democratic Chicago leaders requested President Joe Biden for a pardon for Jackson, but it was not granted.