CHICAGO — In a move that marks a significant return to the political arena, Jesse Jackson Jr. is set to announce his candidacy for the Illinois congressional seat he resigned from over a decade ago amid a scandal. The former U.S. Representative, whose career once appeared permanently derailed by legal troubles, is eyeing a comeback, leveraging his familiar name and political legacy in a dramatically reshaped landscape.

Jackson, the son of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson and brother to Illinois Rep. Jonathan Jackson, plans to focus his campaign on pressing economic issues affecting his district. “Jesse has been deeply influenced by conversations with local residents who are struggling with economic hardships. He’s committed to bringing rapid and effective solutions to the table,” shared a source from his campaign.

In the coming weeks, Jackson is expected to roll out detailed proposals addressing key concerns such as the cost of living, unemployment, and healthcare accessibility.

This bid comes during a period of notable political turnover in Illinois. With Senator Dick Durbin not seeking re-election and other veteran lawmakers stepping down, there is a wave of opportunities for new and returning faces. Jackson’s attempt to reclaim his old seat adds a layer of intrigue to the evolving political drama, positioning him among both seasoned politicians and emerging leaders vying for influence.

Jackson’s political journey has been anything but ordinary. Elected to Congress in 1995, he served until 2012 when a federal investigation exposed the misuse of $750,000 in campaign funds for personal indulgences, leading to a prison sentence. Following his incarceration, Jackson moved back to Chicago’s South Side, engaging in community dialogues and media commentary, which reignited his political aspirations.

His re-entry into politics was encouraged by former Rep. Bobby Rush and supported by some members of the Congressional Black Caucus during a recent fundraiser in Washington. Despite the past controversies, a recent poll indicates that Jackson still enjoys high recognition among voters, which could be pivotal in a crowded field.

However, Jackson faces stiff competition. His opponents include state Sen. Robert Peters, endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and activist David Hogg’s political group, along with several other notable figures from Illinois politics.

As Jesse Jackson Jr. re-launches his political career, his campaign will likely spotlight themes of redemption and resilience. Whether this narrative will resonate enough with voters to overcome his checkered past remains to be seen. Nonetheless, his re-entry adds a compelling chapter to Illinois’ bustling political narrative, promising an election season full of debates and decisions crucial to the state’s future.