Democrats Grapple with Rebuilding Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition

As the party debates its future, leaders reflect on the legacy of the civil rights leader's insurgent presidential campaigns.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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As Democrats debate how to rebuild a winning coalition to take back power in Washington, many political veterans remember the insurgent campaign of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who mobilized a racially and economically diverse "Rainbow Coalition" of voters in two presidential bids. While Jackson lost both contests, his message became a romantic ideal for Democrats, and his infrastructure helped shape the party establishment. Now, as the party braces for bruising fights over how to rebuild the Rainbow Coalition, leaders are reflecting on Jackson's legacy and how to adapt it for the current political climate.

Why it matters

Jackson's Rainbow Coalition vision represented a diverse, inclusive Democratic Party that could win national elections. But that vision has frayed in recent years as President Donald Trump's conservative movement has overwhelmingly won with white working-class voters and made inroads with communities of color, both once core to Democrats' identity. Party leaders are now grappling with how to rebuild that coalition and what lessons they can learn from Jackson's example.

The details

Jackson mobilized a racially and economically diverse "Rainbow Coalition" of voters in his two presidential campaigns, though he lost both contests. His message and infrastructure, however, became influential within the Democratic Party, with many current leaders citing him as a mentor. Now, as the party debates its future, there are differing views on how to adapt Jackson's legacy - some see a need for bold, progressive action, while others argue for pragmatic, problem-solving engagement.

  • Jesse Jackson died last month.
  • Jackson ran for president in 1984 and 1988.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, mobilizing a diverse "Rainbow Coalition" of voters.

Donna Brazile

A former chair of the Democratic National Committee and longtime mentee of Jesse Jackson, who began her career as an organizer on his first presidential campaign.

Rev. William Barber

A minister and longtime mentee of Jesse Jackson who serves as co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign, a movement that calls for economic justice.

Steven Benjamin

The first Black mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, and a mentee of Jesse Jackson, who argued that Jackson's pragmatism was key to his broad coalition.

Antjuan Seawright

A Democratic strategist who said the party needs to learn from Jackson's ability to effectively listen to the diverse communities he sought to champion.

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What they’re saying

“What Reverend planted in American politics were seeds that continue to blossom and bloom.”

— Donna Brazile, Former chair of the Democratic National Committee (wbal.com)

“Reverend understood that you needed a roux. In gumbo, you need the seasoning of those who came before but every now and then you also need some new salt. We have to coexist. The moderates need the progressives, and the progressives need the moderates. That's the dance of American politics.”

— Donna Brazile, Former chair of the Democratic National Committee (wbal.com)

“He served to challenge the party as a moral leader. He didn't spend time saying what he was against. He spent all of his time talking about what he was for.”

— Rev. William Barber, Co-chair of the Poor People's Campaign (wbal.com)

“He was incredibly progressive. But he was even more so pragmatic. He was a problem solver.”

— Steven Benjamin, First Black mayor of Columbia, South Carolina (wbal.com)

“We have to learn, as Reverend Jackson and others of his day did so effectively, to listen more than we talk. We have to show up and hear from folks about what their priorities are, instead of showing up, telling people what we think their priority should be.”

— Antjuan Seawright, Democratic strategist (wbal.com)

What’s next

Party leaders and progressive activists plan to gather for strategy sessions on how to emulate and adapt Jackson's movement for the current political climate.

The takeaway

The legacy of Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition represents a vision of an inclusive, diverse Democratic Party that can win national elections. As the party grapples with how to rebuild that coalition, leaders are reflecting on Jackson's example and debating how to best adapt it for the current political landscape, balancing bold progressive ideals with pragmatic problem-solving.