Prominent Figures Pay Tribute to Civil Rights Leader Rev. Jesse Jackson

Vice President Vance, Former VP Harris, and Ex-President Obama honor Jackson's legacy

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Following the passing of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. at the age of 84, prominent political figures including Vice President JD Vance, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama issued statements honoring Jackson's lifetime of service and impact on their lives and careers.

Why it matters

Reverend Jesse Jackson was a towering figure in the civil rights movement and a two-time Democratic presidential candidate. His death marks the passing of a transformative leader who fought for social and economic justice, and whose work paved the way for the political careers of many current leaders.

The details

In their tributes, the political figures shared personal anecdotes and reflections on Jackson's influence. Vance noted that a close family member had voted for Jackson in the 1988 Democratic primary and for Trump in 2016. Harris recalled having a "Jesse Jackson for President" bumper sticker on her car as a law student, which drew supportive reactions from people. Obama said that his wife Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons' kitchen table, and that Jackson's historic presidential runs laid the foundation for Obama's own path to the presidency.

  • Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States.

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President of the United States.

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States.

Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.

A civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate who passed away at the age of 84.

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What they’re saying

“I have a close family member who voted in two presidential primaries in her entire life. Donald Trump in 2016 and Jesse Jackson in 1988. RIP Jesse Jackson.”

— JD Vance, Vice President (X)

“As a young law student, I would drive back and forth from Oakland, where I lived, to San Francisco, where I went to school. I had a bumper sticker in the back window of my car that read: 'Jesse Jackson for President.' As I would drive across the Bay Bridge, you would not believe how people from every walk of life would give me a thumbs up or honk of support. They were small interactions, but they exemplified Reverend Jackson's life work — lifting up the dignity of working people, building community and coalitions, and strengthening our democracy and nation. I was proud to partner with and learn from him on this work throughout my career, and I am so grateful for the time we spent together this January. Reverend Jackson was a selfless leader, mentor, and friend to me and so many others.”

— Kamala Harris, Former Vice President (X)

“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of a true giant, the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons' kitchen table when she was a teenager. And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land. Michelle and I will always be grateful for Jesse's lifetime of service, and the friendship our families share.”

— Barack Obama, Former President (Statement)

The takeaway

Reverend Jesse Jackson's passing marks the end of an era for the civil rights movement, but his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the work of leaders across the political spectrum who were influenced by his tireless advocacy and vision for a more just and equitable society.