Hiram College professor Jason Johnson was interviewed by the Baltimore Afro-American about the resignation of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and the upcoming special election in Illinois’ Second Congressional District.
“I see a situation where you’ll have an absolute free-for-all,” said Jason Johnson, a political analyst out of Hiram College in Ohio.
At least 12 names—including Jackson’s wife, Chicago Alderman Sandi Jackson; Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill.) and Illinois State Sens. Donne Trotter and Toi Hutchinson—have been thrown into the ring.
The list also includes some Republicans. And while it is unlikely that a Republican would win in the heavily-Democratic constituency, redistricting has increased those odds. The district now comprises South Side Chicago neighborhoods, several southern suburbs and some rural areas.
“If you look at that District right now it has changed a lot. It has a lot more Whites and Republicans now,” Johnson, the political science professor said.
Click here to read “Jackson Resignation Leaves District in Turmoil.”