U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. was re-elected to his congressional post Tuesday (Nov. 6) grabbing 63 percent of the vote in the Illinois Second Congressional District, despite being absent from the job for the last several months.
Jackson has served in House of Representatives since 1995, but took a leave of absence in June for health issues that were originally kept under wraps.
The 47-year-old did not run any ads or campaign for re-election, has since announced that he suffers from bipolar disorder and is receiving another round of treatment at the famed Mayo Clinic. “My deep and sincere thanks to the people of the 2nd Congressional District, I am humbled and moved by the support shown today,” Jackson said in a statement. “Once the doctors approve my return to work, I will continue to be the progressive fighter you have known for years. My family and I are grateful for your many heartfelt prayers and kind thoughts.”
Amid an intense media spotlight, made greater by the announcement of an FBI probe into suspected misappropriation of official funds, Jackson made the decision to go back to the Mayo Clinic in October.
Last month the father of two put out a robo-call to constituents giving an update on his health and asking for patience during his recovery.
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Photo: Chicago Tribune
