Jonathan Jackson (WTTW News)
Jonathan Jackson declared victory late Tuesday in the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush that pitted him against 16 other candidates in the Democratic primary.
Jackson, the son of famed Civil Rights icon Jesse Jackson, emerged from the crowded field on the strength of his famous last name, the endorsement of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and $1 million from a political action committee funded by a billionaire who made his fortune in cryptocurrency.
Jackson earned 29% of the vote in the crowded race, according to early and unofficial returns with 80% of the vote tallied as of midnight Tuesday. Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) was second, with 20% of the vote.
The district, which includes Chicago’s South Side as well as suburban and rural areas located south and southwest of the city, was drawn to ensure the seat remains in Democratic hands after the retirement of Rush, a former Black Panther.
Rush endorsed Karin Norington-Reaves, who led the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, who conceded to Jackson late Tuesday.
Jackson will face the winner of the Republican primary. In that contest, Eric Carlson and Jeffery Regnier had each garnered approximately 40% of the vote, according to early unofficial returns as of 10:45 p.m. Tuesday.
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