Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said she was notified days before the Illinois Democratic primary that the late Rev. Jesse Jackson had endorsed her. Rainbow PUSH and Yusef Jackson later said the endorsement was a draft that was released in error by an unauthorized staff member and was not final. Rep. Jonathan Jackson initially questioned the endorsement before softening his remarks, and the organization said it will not issue endorsements this cycle. The episode has intensified an already competitive three-way primary that includes Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly.
Posthumous Jesse Jackson Endorsement Sparks Controversy in Key Illinois Senate Primary
Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton in Chicago. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune News Service via Getty Images file)(Brian Cassella)
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announced Saturday that she had been notified she received an endorsement from the late Rev. Jesse Jackson days before Illinois Democrats choose a nominee to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin. What began as a political boost quickly turned into a public dispute over whether the endorsement was final or meant to be released at all.
What Happened
Stratton said organizers with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition informed her of the endorsement while she spoke at a Women’s History Month event and encouraged her to share a sample election ballot that was circulating. The ballot, reviewed by NBC News, listed dozens of endorsed candidates in statewide and local races and included Stratton.
Organization Response And Family Statements
Rainbow PUSH and Yusef Jackson, Rev. Jackson’s son, later said the endorsement was not finalized and that the draft ballot was released in error by an unauthorized staff member. Yusef Jackson posted from his late father’s account on X, calling the release an "unintentional error" that created "unforeseen controversy" and clarifying that the organization would not be confirming or issuing political endorsements in this cycle.
“Out of respect for my father, we decided not to publicly release his intended selections given the process had not been finalized,” Yusef Jackson wrote, adding that the document shared over the weekend was not final.
Earlier, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, another son of Rev. Jackson, told Politico he doubted the draft endorsement, saying, "He wouldn’t do that. ... This smells of desperation." He later told NBC News he may have overstated his remarks and wished the candidates well as he tried to remain uninvolved in the contest.
Political Context And Impact
The dispute has added a new layer to an already competitive three-way Democratic primary that includes Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. In Chicago, a Jesse Jackson endorsement has historically mattered to many Black voters, making the claim of support potentially influential in a race where Black voters are a coveted constituency.
Stratton also drew attention earlier in the campaign for running a radio ad referencing a past endorsement from former President Barack Obama. David Axelrod, a one-time senior strategist for Obama, responded on social media that Obama has not endorsed any of the current Senate candidates, underscoring the sensitivity around perceived endorsements in the tight primary.
Where Things Stand
Rainbow PUSH and Yusef Jackson have said the draft release was unauthorized and that no new official endorsements will be issued this cycle. Stratton’s campaign says she was informed by organizers and shared the sample ballot as presented to her. The episode highlights how internal communications and draft materials can quickly shape public narratives, especially in close races.
Reporting in this story draws on public statements and interviews with NBC News and Politico.
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