Civil Rights Icon Jesse Jackson Dies at 84

The pioneering presidential candidate and activist was a tireless fighter for expanding democracy in America.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, died on Tuesday at the age of 84 after suffering from Parkinson's disease and progressive supranuclear palsy. Jackson was a charismatic and unapologetically progressive figure who spent nearly 60 years as a national and global leader, inspiring millions to register to vote and participate in the democratic process.

Why it matters

Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, while not winning the nomination, were pivotal in expanding the Democratic party and paving the way for Barack Obama's historic 2008 election as the first Black president. His message of social justice, economic fairness, and respect for the humanity of all people transcended race and inspired a diverse 'Rainbow Coalition' of supporters.

The details

Jackson was the first Black candidate to be competitive in a major party's presidential primary, winning five states and over 3 million votes in 1984 before a stronger showing in 1988 where he won 13 contests and nearly 7 million votes. His campaigns forced the Democratic National Committee to make rule changes including proportional delegate distribution. Known for his charismatic oratory, Jackson's convention speeches were considered among the greatest in political history.

  • Jesse Jackson died on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Jackson first ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984.
  • Jackson ran for the Democratic presidential nomination again in 1988.

The players

Jesse Jackson

A civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate who was a tireless fighter for expanding democracy in America.

Barack Obama

The first Black president of the United States, whose historic 2008 election campaign was in part paved by Jackson's earlier presidential runs.

Shirley Chisholm

The first Black candidate to run for a major party's presidential nomination, doing so in 1972 as a Democrat.

Michael Dukakis

The Massachusetts governor who won the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination, defeating Jackson.

Bill Bradley

A former NBA player who later served as a U.S. Senator and was the subject of a roast where Jackson made a joke about not being taken seriously.

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What they’re saying

“We must forgive each other, redeem each other, regroup and move on. Our flag is red, white and blue, but our nation is a rainbow — red, yellow, brown, black and white — and we're all precious in God's sight. America is not like a blanket — one piece of unbroken cloth, the same color, the same texture, the same size. America is more like a quilt: many patches, many pieces, many colors, many sizes, all woven and held together by a common thread.”

— Jesse Jackson (1984 Democratic National Convention speech)

What’s next

Jackson's legacy and impact on American politics will continue to be studied and discussed by historians and political analysts in the years to come.

The takeaway

Jesse Jackson's trailblazing presidential campaigns in the 1980s helped expand the Democratic party and paved the way for the election of the first Black president, Barack Obama. His message of social justice, economic fairness, and respect for all people's humanity left an indelible mark on American politics.