CHICAGO - Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. announced Wednesday he is running for his old seat in Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District.

Jackson, a Democrat, launched his campaign on his father’s 84th birthday, calling it a symbolic moment to honor the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.’s legacy of public service and activism.

What they're saying:

"I’ve chosen this day to make a special announcement — the 84th birthday of a man who inspired my life to public service," Jackson Jr. said in a campaign video . "A man who blessed me with his name."

The backstory:

Jackson Jr. served in Congress from 1995 until he resigned in 2012, later pleading guilty to federal charges of misusing about $750,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses, including luxury items and memorabilia.

In 2013, he was sent

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