About Jonathan
Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson represents Illinois' First Congressional District with a legacy rooted in activism and achievement. Born to civil rights leaders Rev. Jesse Jackson and Jacqueline Jackson, he inherited a profound commitment to justice and has translated that heritage into decades of impactful work for marginalized and underserved communities.
A lifelong advocate for equity, Congressman Jackson has consistently used his voice and platform to champion civil rights and social reform. He cosponsored a resolution stating that the United States has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparations for the crime of enslavement of Africans and its lasting harm on the lives of millions of Black people in the United States. He also supported H.R.40, the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act to establish a commission to document evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against formerly enslaved Africans and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation.
As the national spokesman for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Congressman Jackson has been a powerful force in the fight for justice. His relentless advocacy has elevated national consciousness about wrongful convictions and juvenile injustice, leading to the exoneration and public vindication of the wrongly imprisoned, including Darrell Cannon, Oscar Walden, and Johnnie Lee Savory. This effort has led him to support H.R.4633, the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act, and H.R.3344, the Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act, further demonstrates his commitment to justice and equality, inspiring the audience with his leadership.
Congressman Jackson also took part in historic international human rights efforts, helping to secure the release of American Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman through negotiations with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and 22 Americans detained in Cuba through talks with Fidel Castro.
In Chicago, Congressman Jackson has emerged as a steadfast advocate for public education. He has spearheaded community hearings and civic education campaigns to resist the wave of school closures, ensuring that educational access is preserved in vulnerable neighborhoods. He supported H.R. 433, the Department of Education Protection Act to prohibit funds made available to the Department of Education by previous Appropriations Acts from being used for any activity relating to implementing a reorganization of the Department. He also believes that Black History should be taught in all schools. He supported, H.R.1359 - Black History Matters Act, which would direct the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study and report on Black history education in public elementary and secondary schools.
Furthermore, Congressman Jackson serves on two House committees. As a member of the Agriculture Committee, he introduced the JUST Act to enhance civil rights accountability and enforcement in the Department of Agriculture. He also introduced amendments and spoken loudly about the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
On the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman Jackson has led a bipartisan effort to sanction the Houthi rebels through the Sanction Sea Pirates Act. He has also worked across the aisle to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals with the Democratic Republic of the Congo via the Bipartisan BRIDGE to DRC Act. In response to Russian aggression, Congressman Jackson supported Ukraine by voting in favor of the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024, which provided the Ukrainian Armed Forces with additional military aid. Additionally, he has joined colleagues in holding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accountable for his actions in Gaza, advocating for conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel in alignment with the Leahy Law, which prohibits U.S. assistance to foreign military units that commit human rights violations.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives write and vote on federal laws, including the federal budget. Each represents one district and serves a two-year term. Tax bills must start in the House, only the House can impeach federal officials, and members oversee federal agencies through their committees.