History of Jesse Jackson Jr. in Timeline
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.
March 11, 1965: Jesse Jackson Jr. Born
On March 11, 1965, Jesse Louis Jackson Jr., son of activist and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson, was born. He later became a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 2nd congressional district.
February 1984: Featured in Sports Illustrated
In February 1984, Jesse Jackson Jr. was featured in Sports Illustrated as part of their Faces in the Crowd section, noted for his achievements as an all-state running back, including 15 touchdowns and 889 rushing yards.
1984: Assisted in father's civil rights activities and presidential campaign
During the 1984 Democratic primaries, Jesse Jackson Jr., along with his brothers, assisted in their father's civil rights activities and supported his presidential campaign, appearing at events together.
1984: Worked on father's presidential campaign
In 1984, Jesse Jackson Jr. worked for his father, Jesse Jackson Sr., in the elder Jackson's presidential campaign. He assisted his father in the campaign, gaining early exposure to politics.
1987: Graduated from North Carolina A&T University
In 1987, Jesse Jackson Jr. graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina A&T University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
1988: Involvement in 1988 Democratic primaries and appointment to DNC
In 1988, Jesse Jackson Jr. was involved in his father's campaigning during the Democratic primaries. Following dealings between his father and Michael Dukakis at the Democratic National Convention, he was appointed as an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee.
1988: Meeting Future Wife
In 1988, during the presidential campaign, Jesse Jackson Jr. met Sandi Stevens, who was the press secretary for United States Congressman Mickey Leland, and who would later become his wife.
February 1990: Shared Stage with Nelson Mandela
In February 1990, Jesse Jackson Jr. shared the stage with Nelson Mandela during Mandela's historic speech following his release from imprisonment in Cape Town.
June 1, 1991: Marriage to Sandi Stevens
On June 1, 1991, Jesse Jackson Jr. married Sandi Stevens while both were law students at the University of Illinois College of Law.
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.
1993: National Field Director of the Rainbow Coalition
In 1993, Jesse Jackson Jr. became the national field director of the Rainbow Coalition.
1993: Earned Juris Doctor
In 1993, Jesse Jackson Jr. earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law.
September 1, 1995: Mel Reynolds Resigns from Congress
On September 1, 1995, Mel Reynolds resigned from Congress, leading to Jesse Jackson Jr.'s consideration as a potential replacement.
September 10, 1995: Jackson Declared Candidacy
On September 10, 1995, Jesse Jackson Jr. officially declared his candidacy for the 2nd District Congressional seat.
November 29, 1995: Democratic Primary
The Democratic primary was set for November 29, 1995, with Jesse Jackson Jr. facing opponents such as Alice J. Palmer, Emil Jones, Monique Davis, and John Morrow.
December 12, 1995: Won General Election
On December 12, 1995, Jesse Jackson Jr. won the general election with 76% of the vote, securing his position as a U.S. Representative.
December 15, 1995: Took Office
On December 15, 1995, Jesse Jackson Jr. took office as a U.S. Representative, vowing to be a liberal voice in opposition to Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
1995: Became U.S. Representative
In 1995, Jesse Jackson Jr. began his tenure as the U.S. Representative from Illinois's 2nd congressional district, marking the start of his career in elected office.
1995: Continued as National Field Director of the Rainbow Coalition
In 1995, Jesse Jackson Jr. continued his role as the national field director of the Rainbow Coalition, working to stimulate equitable hiring practices.
1995: Congratulatory Call from Al Gore
In 1995, after his election, Jesse Jackson Jr. received a congratulatory call from Vice President Al Gore, who was attempting to maintain good relations with the Jackson family.
August 1996: Unopposed Rematch
In August 1996, Thomas Somer withdrew from a rematch, leaving Jesse Jackson Jr. without major party opposition in the November 1996 general election.
November 1996: Re-elected
In November 1996, Jesse Jackson Jr. was re-elected, receiving 94% of the vote due to the absence of major party opposition.
1996: Sought Committee Seat and Increased Visibility
After being elected, in 1996 Jesse Jackson Jr. attempted to gain a seat on the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He began receiving numerous requests to visit congressional districts, rivaling his father's popularity.
1996: Disagreement with Father's Plan
In 1996, Jesse Jackson Jr. disagreed with his father's plan for him to run for the Illinois Senate, opting instead to pursue the 2nd District Congressional seat.
1996: Message of unity and cooperation with Jewish leaders
In 1996, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s message of unity and cooperation with Jewish leaders was met with skepticism during his early years in office.
1996: Related Book Release
In 1996, Jesse Jackson Sr. released "Legal Lynching: Racism, Injustice and the Death Penalty", a book related to the anti-death penalty views later co-authored by Jesse Jackson Jr.
1997: Served in Illinois State Senate 13th district
From 1997 to 2005, Barack Obama served in the Illinois State Senate 13th district, which was within Jesse Jackson Jr.'s district.
1997: Criticism for response to Louis Farrakhan's remarks
In 1997, Jesse Jackson Jr. was criticized for his response to anti-Semitic remarks made by Louis Farrakhan in New York City. Jewish leaders were unsatisfied with Jackson's disagreement with Farrakhan's comments. Also in 1997, Newsweek mentioned Jackson in "the Century Club" list, speculating about a potential black presidency.
1998: Gore Campaigned and Advised Jackson
In 1998, Al Gore campaigned for and advised Jesse Jackson Jr., instructing aides to create an event in Jackson's district to boost his profile.
1998: Co-sponsored legislation for embassy bombing victims
In 1998, Jesse Jackson Jr. co-sponsored legislation providing nearly $1 million to each family that lost someone to the al-Qaida activities in the 1998 United States embassy bombings.
1998: Campaign Appearances for Democratic Candidates
In 1998, Jesse Jackson Jr. made 30 appearances for Democratic congressional candidates, often being sent on the "black circuit" without press notification.
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.
December 1999: Co-authored "It's About the Money"
In December 1999, Jesse Jackson Jr. co-authored "It's About the Money: How You Can Get Out of Debt, Build Wealth, and Achieve Your Financial Dreams", a self-help book aimed at people of limited means, offering guidance on achieving personal financial independence.
2000: Presidential Aspirations
As he prepared to run for president in 2000, Vice President Al Gore attempted to maintain good relations with the Jackson family, hoping to discourage Jesse Jackson Sr. from running against him.
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: Re-election in 2000
In 2000, Jesse Jackson Jr. won re-election by a 90-10 margin over Robert Gordon, in a district that remained overwhelmingly black after redistricting.
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.
2001: Co-authored "Legal Lynching: The Death Penalty and America's Future"
In 2001, Jesse Jackson Jr. co-authored "Legal Lynching: The Death Penalty and America's Future" (also known as Legal Lynching II) with Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bruce Shapiro, contributing to the public discourse against the death penalty.
2001: FEC Ruling on Hiring Wife
In 2001, the Federal Election Commission (FEC) ruled that Jesse Jackson Jr. could hire his wife on his campaign payroll, provided she was paid no more than fair market value for her services.
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: Appointed to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
In 2003, Jesse Jackson Jr. was appointed to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
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.
2004: Supported election reform
After the 2004 elections, Jesse Jackson Jr. became vocal in supporting election reform, expressing concern over differing election rules across jurisdictions. He was one of the House Democrats who voted to not count the electoral votes from Ohio.
2004: Declined Senate run, supported Obama and Dean
In 2004, Jesse Jackson Jr. declined to run for the U.S. Senate and instead became one of Barack Obama's early supporters. He endorsed Howard Dean for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination.
2004: Supported Ho-Chunk tribe's casino proposal
In 2004, Jesse Jackson Jr. supported the Ho-Chunk tribe's proposal for a casino within his district in Lynwood, Illinois.
2004: Re-election in 2004
In 2004, Jesse Jackson Jr. won re-election in the House of Representatives elections by a wide margin over Stephanie Kennedy Sailor.
March 2005: Jackson Reveals Bariatric Surgery
In March 2005, Jesse Jackson Jr. revealed that he had lost 50 pounds due to bariatric surgery, specifically a duodenal switch procedure similar to one his sister had.
December 1, 2005: Bill signed for Rosa Parks statue
On December 1, 2005, President Bush signed the bill sponsored by Jesse Jackson Jr. for the creation of a life-size statue of Rosa Parks to be placed in Statuary Hall at the United States Capitol.
2005: Served in Illinois State Senate 13th district
From 1997 to 2005, Barack Obama served in the Illinois State Senate 13th district, which was within Jesse Jackson Jr.'s district.
2005: Supported Terri Schiavo Legislation
In 2005, Jesse Jackson Jr. supported legislation that gave the United States Federal Court of Appeals jurisdiction over the Terri Schiavo case.
November 8, 2006: Announced decision not to run for mayor
On November 8, 2006, Jesse Jackson Jr. announced that he would not seek the Chicago mayoralty.
November 18, 2006: Founder's Day Keynote Address
On November 18, 2006, Jesse Jackson Jr. delivered the keynote address to the Omega Psi Phi fraternity at the Founder's Day gathering.
2006: Won Re-election in 2006
In the 2006 election, Jesse Jackson Jr. won re-election with 85% of the vote, defeating opponents like Libertarian Party candidate Anthony Williams.
February 27, 2007: Wife Sandi Jackson won election for Alderman
On February 27, 2007, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s wife, Sandi Jackson, won the election for Alderman in Chicago's 7th ward.
August 1, 2007: Verbal Disagreement on House Floor
On August 1, 2007, Jesse Jackson Jr. had a verbal disagreement with Representative Lee Terry on the House floor, resulting in a challenge to step outside, which was diffused by Steve Rothman.
2007: Co-sponsored legislation for embassy bombing victims
In 2007, Jesse Jackson Jr. co-sponsored legislation providing nearly $1 million to each family that lost someone to the al-Qaida activities in the 1998 United States embassy bombings. He also voiced an interest in initiating impeachment proceedings against President Bush.
2007: Considered entering Chicago mayoral election
In 2007, Jesse Jackson Jr. considered entering the Chicago mayoral election.
June 2008: Commentaries published in Lincoln in Illinois
In June 2008, Jesse Jackson Jr.'s commentaries were published in "Lincoln in Illinois", a book by the Abraham Lincoln Association and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.
July 6, 2008: Expressed outrage at father's comments about Obama
On July 6, 2008, Jesse Jackson Jr. expressed outrage and disappointment at his father's comments about Obama, where his father said he would like to "cut [Obama's] nuts off".
August 25, 2008: Prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention
On August 25, 2008, Jesse Jackson Jr. gave a prime-time speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, referencing Martin Luther King Jr. and praising Barack Obama's leadership. He also initiated a "hugfest" to unite the Illinois Democratic party.
September 29, 2008: Voted against the federal bailout bill
On September 29, 2008, Jesse Jackson Jr. voted against the late-September version of the federal bailout bill, citing inadequate homeowner protections.
October 3, 2008: Voted in support of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
On October 3, 2008, Jesse Jackson Jr. voted in support of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.
November 4, 2008: Obama Elected President, Resigns Senate Seat
On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States and subsequently resigned his seat in the U.S. Senate, prompting discussions and considerations for his replacement, including Jesse Jackson Jr. as a possible candidate.
November 13, 2008: Obama Resignation Announcement
On November 13, 2008, the date Obama officially announced his resignation, Danny Davis and Tammy Duckworth noted they hadn't been contacted by the governor's office regarding the Senate seat succession.
November 27, 2008: Blagojevich Hints at Choice
On November 27, 2008, Governor Blagojevich hinted that Danny Davis might be his choice to fill Barack Obama's vacant senate seat.
2008: National co-chairman of Obama's presidential campaign
In 2008, Jesse Jackson Jr. served as a national co-chairman of Barack Obama's presidential campaign, participating in garnering support and providing voiceovers for advertisements.
2008: National Co-Chairman of Obama Campaign
In 2008, Jesse Jackson Jr. served as a national co-chairman of the Barack Obama presidential campaign, solidifying his position within the Democratic Party.
2008: Defense of Obama in response to father's criticism
In 2008, after Jesse Jackson Sr. criticized Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson Jr. responded with a defense of Obama in the Chicago Sun-Times.
March 24, 2009: Home Featured on HGTV's Hidden Potential
On March 24, 2009, the South Shore home of Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife was featured on an episode of HGTV's Hidden Potential.
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.
September 21, 2010: Jackson Responds to Allegations of Purchasing Plane Tickets
On September 21, 2010, Jesse Jackson Jr. addressed claims by businessman Raghuveer Nayak that he purchased plane tickets for a woman, describing it as a private matter between him and his wife.
2010: Illinois Senate Re-election
In 2010, the class 3 Illinois Senate seat was up for re-election, with Jesse Jackson Jr. and other contenders vying for the position.
March 2011: Proposed constitutional amendment for "equal education rights" with iPad
In March 2011, Jesse Jackson Jr. proposed a constitutional amendment for "equal education rights" on the House floor, suggesting that every student in America receive an iPad from the federal government, attracting ridicule.
April 2011: Blamed iPad for eliminating American jobs
In April 2011, Jesse Jackson Jr. spoke on the House floor, blaming the iPad for "eliminating thousands of American jobs."
April 21, 2012: Symbolic groundbreaking for the proposed third airport
On April 21, 2012, Jesse Jackson Jr. held a symbolic groundbreaking for the proposed third airport.
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.
March 26, 2015: Release from Prison
On March 26, 2015, Jesse Jackson Jr. was released from prison.
June 22, 2015: Released from halfway house
On June 22, 2015, Jesse Jackson Jr. was released in the morning after spending three months serving his remaining sentence in a halfway house.
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.
October 2025: Candidacy Announcement
In October 2025, Jesse Jackson Jr. announced his candidacy to reclaim his former congressional seat in the 2026 election.
2026: Election
In 2026, Jesse Jackson Jr. ran for election to reclaim his former congressional seat.
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