Jonathan Jackson Welcomes Congressman Chuy Garcia’s Rousing Endorsement in his Run for the 1st District Congressional Seat. Emil Jones, Former Illinois Senate President, Echoes Rep. Garcia’s Support of Jackson
(Chicago, April 14, 2022) Jonathan L. Jackson’s campaign for Illinois Congressman of the 1st District gathered more steam today when U.S. Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (IL-4) heartedly endorsed Jackson at a press conference held at the Jonathan Jackson for Congress southside campaign office. Former State Senator Emil Jones, who served as Illinois Senate President (2003 – 2009), an ardent supporter of Jackson, opened the press conference by introducing Rep. Garcia, referencing their shared history in politics and government.
Rep. Garcia began his remarks referring to his own history with Jonathan Jackson’s renowned family. “My relationship with the Jackson family extends over 40 years,” Garcia said. “Within their work as civil rights champions and champions of human rights and human progress across the globe, they have shown us what the struggle for goodness is all about.”
Garcia said that Jonathan Jackson “embodies the great values that the Jackson family has worked for and fought for, for many, many years, and to whom I am deeply indebted and grateful for helping me win a seat in congress and representing the people of my district.”
Leading with, “I stand with him,” Garcia listed several issues on which he agrees with Jackson’s stances, including protecting voting rights and the nation’s democratic institutions, addressing issues in the criminal justice system, working to increase access to healthcare, implementing fair immigration reform, making the economy more sustainable, and supporting the Green New Deal to combat climate change.
“[Jackson] is honest. He has humility and he has a commitment to advancing the greater good of the families he’ll represent in the United States Congress,” Garcia said. “He is the type of leader that will represent ALL the people of the 1st District!
“This morning I proudly stand with Jonathan Jackson and throw my wholehearted support and endorsement to his effort to become the next Congressman of the 1st District!” Garcia said.
In thanking Garcia, Jackson said his endorsement is a message that exceeds monetary value. “It is a sign of compassion, a sign of workability.” Noting that “people understand those who care,” Jackson praised Garcia as “a man of courage and compassion,” adding that the congressman represents a leadership model that Jackson will follow.
In response to reporters’ questions, Emil Jones, whom former President Barack Obama calls his “political Godfather,” provided the press conference’s final statements, saying, in part, “A lot of my friends are in this campaign, but Jonathan stands head and shoulders above all of them on issues and things that people are concerned with. This is a very crucial race. I will do everything I possibly can to help him become the Congressman of the 1st District.”
