Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Issues Statement on Illinois Senate Race

May 12, 2025

Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Issues Statement on Illinois Senate Race

Chicago, IL - Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) released the following statement regarding the upcoming race to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Dick Durbin:

"As candidates begin to announce their intentions to run for the open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, I want to be clear: I am currently neutral in this race and have made no endorsements. I am proud to call many of the prospective candidates friends, colleagues, and longtime allies in the fight for justice and equity.

What matters most to me-and to the people of Illinois-is that Democrats unite to win this seat, retain the White House, and take back the U.S. House and Senate in 2026. The stakes could not be higher. We are confronting an extreme MAGA agenda that threatens the very core of our democracy, our rights, and the progress we've fought so hard to achieve.

I believe our state deserves a Senator who will carry forward the legacy of leadership that Senator Durbin has exemplified-fighting for working families, protecting civil rights, defending reproductive freedom, and expanding access to affordable healthcare and quality education.

My commitment remains, first and foremost, to the people of Illinois. That's why I have focused my work in Congress on bringing federal investments back to our communities, creating jobs through green infrastructure and technology, increasing funding for public schools, and championing economic justice across the South Side of Chicago and beyond.

In my time in Congress, I've secured millions in federal funding for workforce development, transportation upgrades, and violence prevention initiatives. I've worked to strengthen protections for workers, hold powerful corporations accountable, and address the housing crisis that impacts families across our state.

As the Senate race unfolds, I will continue to listen closely to the people I serve, and I look forward to supporting the Democratic nominee who emerges from this process. But let us be clear: our ultimate focus must remain on defeating Donald Trump and his allies who continue to push a dangerous and divisive agenda.

Illinois has always been a beacon of hope, fairness, and progress. With unity, purpose, and a clear vision for the future, we can and will defend our values, restore our democracy, and deliver for every hardworking family in this state.