Rev. Jesse Jackson paved the way for generations of Democrats in Chicago, top Illinois Democrats say

Rev. Jesse Jackson changed the rules of Democratic politics, literally.

His trailblazing 1984 presidential campaign and even more competitive followup in '88 pushed national party leaders to award primary candidates a percentage of delegates in proportion to their vote total, doing away with winner-take-all contests that minimized the impact of outsider politicians like Jackson.

“His delegates wanted him to take the fight to the floor to be the vice president,” remembered Chicago political strategist Delmarie Cobb, a top adviser on Jackson’s ‘88 run. “And Jesse Jackson told them, ‘No, we're not going to do that. We're going to use our leverage to get some changes, and we're going to change the rules. 
We're going to change the platform, and we're going to expand the party.’ And so that's what he did.”

Jackson’s electoral success in New York preceded the election of New York City’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins. Jackson, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, also won Virginia, which soon elected its first Black governor, Douglas Wilder.

“All across the country, you had that happen. The doors opened,” Cobb said.

It all helped pave the way for Barack Obama's 2008 nomination as well as Kamala Harris’ in 2024. But Jackson also paved the way for generations of Democrats in Chicago and beyond in ways that can’t be boiled down to party bylaws or even politics.

“You can go down the list of people who he helped to influence, and also gave them a sense of fearlessness to go up against the power structure to try to dismantle the status quo,” Cobb said.

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia served as a delegate to Jackson in both his 1984 and 1988 campaigns. On Tuesday, he remembered Jackson as a “beacon of civil rights and a champion for equality.”

“His presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988 were transformational, not only for our brothers and sisters in the Black community, but for all Americans who believe in a more inclusive society,” Garcia said. “...His speech in 1988 deeply inspired me to never surrender in our pursuit of justice.”

Obama said Jackson “helped lead some of the most significant movements for change in human history” and “laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land.”

“From organizing boycotts and sit-ins, to registering millions of voters, to advocating for freedom and democracy around the world, he was relentless in his belief that we are all children of God, deserving of dignity and respect,” Obama said in a statement.

Other top Illinois Democrats said Jackson’s storied life impacted their lives, both personally and professionally, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

Johnson called Jackson a “mentor and friend.”

“We honor him, and his hard-earned legacy as a freedom fighter, philosopher, and faithful shepherd of his family and community here in Chicago,” Johnson said in a statement. “I am personally grateful for Rev. Jackson and his family embracing me and our city with his wisdom and guidance. His friendship, counsel and prayers had a deep impact on my family.”

Raoul said he grew up a block from Rainbow PUSH headquarters — and his words of “I am somebody” gave him hope that he too could be a public servant.

“As I raised my kids a block away from the PUSH headquarters, I brought them to PUSH when they were young to hear the same words,” Raoul said in a statement. “He was always a strong advocate for Haiti and challenged me to be the same. He never hesitated to call to challenge me, unapologetically, to do better in my service to others. I am a better public servant because of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Rest, Reverend; you have earned your peace.”

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis called Jackson a dear friend and “one of the greatest moral voices of our time.”

“He dedicated his life to fighting for those who had been left out and left behind. He gave voice to the poor, the oppressed, the forgotten, and the marginalized,” Davis said in a statement. “Together, we stood with workers, with the poor, with seniors, with young people, and with communities demanding fairness and opportunity. Those moments were not just protests, they were part of a movement that helped transform lives and expand justice.”

Jackson’s death comes as his son Jesse Jackson Jr. seeks a political comeback. Should Jackson Jr. win the primary race for the 2nd Congressional District, Illinois would be represented by two Jacksons in Congress. Rep. Jonathan Jackson faces no primary challenger in the 1st Congressional District.

Gov. JB Pritzker ordered flags to half-mast in Jackson’s honor. “He broke down barriers, inspired generations, and kept hope alive. Our state, nation, and world are better due to his years of service,” Pritzker said in a statement. Johnson, too, called for Chicago flags to fly half-mast.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Jackson “opened doors for generations of leaders and changed what was possible in American public life.”

“His voice challenged us to do better, and his example inspired many to enter public service in pursuit of equity and opportunity,” she said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin said he and the reverend “didn't always agree, but we didn't have to agree; we respected one another.”

“He always had the goal of elevating all of America, particularly those of minority status. I think he made a real contribution,” Durbin said.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said Jackson “turned pain into purpose and protest into progress.”

“He poured into leaders like me, reminding us that public service is about lifting those whose voices too often go unheard. His presidential campaigns inspired a generation to believe that our politics could reflect the full diversity and brilliance of this nation,” Welch said in a statement. “Because of Rev. Jackson, millions were registered to vote. Because of Rev. Jackson, doors once closed were forced open. Because of Rev. Jackson, so many of us stand where we stand today.”

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon celebrated Jackson as “a hero, a champion, a rabble-rouser and a front-row participant to history.

“He spent his life challenging the status quo, fighting for underdogs and pushing society forward toward justice and equality. We are all indeed better because of his work and commitment. We can honor his legacy by keeping the fight alive and always seeking that better tomorrow,” Harmon said.

Former President Bill Clinton said Jackson “championed human dignity and helped create opportunities for countless people to live better lives.”

Former President Joe Biden said that “whether through impassioned words on the campaign trail, or moments of quiet courage, Reverend Jackson influenced generations of Americans, and countless elected leaders, including Presidents.”

And from across the aisle, President Donald Trump hailed “a good man, with lots of personality, grit, and ‘street smarts,’” as well as “a force of nature like few others before him.”

Ald. William Hall (6th) worked as Jackson’s field coordinator and travel assistant for eight years, and he treasured Sunday afternoons often spent on the reverend’s driveway nibbling on fruit.

"We traveled to every continent except Australia, meeting kings, presidents and Four Corner Hustlers. I had the opportunity to witness his humanity while appreciating his heart," Hall said. “Rev. Jackson changed the system — he wasn’t hung up on the success of being picked by the system. He was focused on who’s not at the table and why they aren't getting what is at the table.”

“I’m pushed by his mission, and for my generation, to remember the reverend is to show up and serve like the reverend.”

Contributing: Matt Trunfio