A contentious Democratic primary for an Illinois Senate seat faced a major setback on Monday when the family of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson withdrew its endorsement of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.
Stratton is one of two Black women running for the Senate seat held by Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who is not seeking reelection. While Stratton has the backing of Governor JB Pritzker, her opponent Rep. Robin Kelly secured support from the Congressional Black Caucus.
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., leads in polls and could benefit if Stratton and Kelly split the Black vote.
On Saturday, Stratton’s campaign stated that Rev. Jesse Jackson had endorsed her with a statement: “[Jackson’s] example has been a North Star for me, and I’m deeply honored to have received his trust, support, and endorsement before his passing.” The Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which Jackson founded, also distributed sample ballots promoting Stratton.
However, on Monday, March 16, Yusef Jackson, the son of Rev. Jesse Jackson, walked back the endorsement, stating that the draft sample ballot was “released without authorization” and that the Jackson family and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition were not making endorsements this cycle. In a statement, Yusef said: “Jesse began reviewing candidates but, given his passing just over a month ago, the process was never fully completed. Out of respect for my father, we decided not to publicly release his intended selections.”
Stratton’s campaign countered that officials from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition had told her she received endorsements and shared the sample ballot. Jacqueline Jackson, Jesse Jackson’s widow, apologized to Rep. Kelly for the mix-up.
Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., also spoke out: “My father never got in on Black-on-Black fights. He wouldn’t do that, he was always pushing the community forward. This smells of desperation.”
The Cook Political Report lists the race as a “Solid Democrat,” with whoever wins the Democratic primary considered the favorite in the general election.
