JJJ looking to return to his old Congressional seat

Three others hope to replace Robin Kelly in the Second Congressional

Jul 23, 2025

As usual, when there is a primary election in and around Chicago, there is no shortage of contenders. The Second Congressional District political landscape which includes much of the South Suburbs was dormant after Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced in May, she will be pursuing the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacant when Sen Dick Durbin retires next year.

However, in the last several weeks there has been a flurry of announcements about who is running, including news that former Second Congressional District Representative Jesse Jackson has formed an exploratory committee for the 2026 election. Jackson held that seat for 17 years before resigning in 2012.

Others who are making a bid for the seat include

Upper left Yukema Brown-Metroplitan Water District Commissioner and Matteson Village Clerk

Upper right Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller

Lower left IL Sen Robert Peters 13th District

Lower right IL State Sen. Willie Preston 16th District

Both Peters and Preston have served their districts well over the last four years. So, the question becomes why abandon voters who approve of your work in exchange for a seat where you will be without any power or leverage? It is a common practice in Chicago politics-leapfrog into a higher office, not because one could better serve a constituency; but because the paycheck and perquisites are better.

Along with Brown, it is difficult to see anything other than a race to the bottom for these three. Even though Peters, a Hyde Park resident, has the backing of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, its’ unlikely her sphere of influence has much sway in the southern part of the District.

However, Preston is a relentless campaigner and has the gift of connecting with and bringing newly registered and previous non-voters out on Election Day. While he doesn’t appear to be a serious contender in the 2026 race; no one should count him out of the next run for the seat.

Jackson and Miller are prolific fundraisers and that will be a key element in this race. Their paths cross in some of the same professional circles making the list of potential donors fun to watch, and likely to strain some relationships.

Besides, the trio of Brown, Peters and Preston don’t bring the retail political chops of Miller who is a tireless campaigner and nearly omnipresent in her district. As in past races, her outreach will be buoyed by legions of her Sorors.

Undoubtedly, Jackson detractors will point out his conviction and resulting prison sentence for federal campaign finances law violations. At the same time, even the harshest naysayers, if they are honest; will admit those violations did not impact his service to his constituents, and ultimately it was a victimless crime as donors didn’t demand a return of their contributions.

However they try to position the former congressman, Jackson is the only one in the race who can rightfully wear the “been there - done that” T-shirt.

There is only one way the Seventh District gets a new Congressman

**Illinois Seventh District Congressman Danny K Davis has held that seat since 1996**

There are persistent murmurs that because the venerable U.S. Rep Danny K. Davis is just a couple of months away from his 84th birthday, it is time for him to vacate the Congressional seat he’s held the last 29 years. And it’s not the first time Davis detractors have put forth that argument about his age. That’s it-age. We don’t hear that he’s ineffective in Congress or some other performative aspect of the position-just age.

People who want him out have repeatedly foisted challengers to Davis, only to have them vanquished by the former alderman, county commissioner turned Congressman. If the Seventh District is to get a different representative in Congress, it will be because Davis chooses to step down.

Currently, the announced and rumored contenders have shown to be no match for the Arkansas native and West Side resident.

**Richard Boykin, former chief of staff to Rep. Davis and former Cook County Commission**

Between 2014 and 2022 Richard Boykin managed one political win in four attempts. While he registered a victory in 2014 for the Cook County First District Commissioner’s seat; in subsequent elections for county board president, clerk of courts; as well as a bid to get his old commission seat back-Boykin came up short every time. It is reminiscent of the late Lar Daley, a perennial political candidate in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. - never finished first in any race; but never stopped running until old age caught up with him.

While Boykin’s campaign platforms took strong positions on equal justice and gun violence; Boykin’s clipped and monotone speaking style doesn’t grab and hold the attention of voters. He also failed to get the backing of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle for his second bid as a commissioner.

His political resume shows he worked in the offices of former U.S. Sen. Carole Mosley Braun, and former Congressman Bobby Rush.

State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford might be referred to as Danny Davis-lite. The West Side state representative has clung to the 8th District seat since 2007. In all of his primary races since Ford has not faced a serious challenger. However, in 2019 he spread his political wings and jumped in the fray for mayor of Chicago; and failed to crack the top 10 in that primary election.