Election for Congressman Jackson's seat April 9
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| Convicted former Congressman Mel Reynolds announces at a news conference Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, in Chicago that he's joining the increasingly crowded field running for the congressional seat Jesse Jackson Jr. vacated last week. Reynolds resigned from office in 1995 after being convicted of having sexual relations with an underage campaign worker. The Democrat also went to prison after being convicted of fraud for concealing debts to obtain bank loans and diverting money intended for voter registration drives into his election campaign. Jackson was first elected in a special election to replace Reynolds. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) |
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CHICAGO (AP) — The special election to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. will be held April 9.
Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Sunday to approve the date.
Jackson resigned last month citing his health and acknowledging he's under federal investigation.
Quinn had 115-day window to set an election. But he wanted the Jackson contest to coincide with municipal elections already planned for April 9 so he had to seek lawmaker approval to change the timeline. Lawmakers approved legislation for the date change.
Quinn says the move saves taxpayer money.
The primary for the special election is Feb 26.
Jackson's vacancy means there's a rare opening in the Democratic-leaning Chicago area district that Jackson had held since 1995.
On Sunday, former state Rep. Robin Kelly announced her plans to run.
