Jonathan Jackson
Jackson signed a joint statement against offensive weapons: "If Congress votes to continue to supply offensive military aid, we make ourselves complicit in this tragedy," while supporting Iron Dome. He co-sponsors the Block the Bombs Act.
Jackson represents Illinois's 1st District on Chicago's South Side and is running for re-election.
In April 2024 he was one of the signatories of a joint statement explaining votes against H.R. 8034. It draws the line precisely: "Our votes against H.R. 8034 are votes against supplying more offensive weapons that could result in more killings of civilians in Rafah and elsewhere. We believe strongly in Israel's right to self-defense." And: "All of us support strengthening the Iron Dome and other defense systems and we are committed to a sovereign, safe, and secure future for Israel. To protect that future, we believe the United States must help achieve a ceasefire that allows hostages to be freed, humanitarian aid to be delivered, and peace talks to begin."
In June 2025 he co-sponsored the Block the Bombs Act, which would withhold transfers of specified offensive weapons unless Israel's government establishes in writing that they are used in accordance with U.S. and international law.
Tracked votes: opposed sending U.S. weapons or funding to the government of Israel in 5 of 6 recorded votes.
Research
U.S. military aid and weapons to Israel
- [Position, 2024-04-20] Signed the joint statement on the Israel Security Supplemental, opened and confirmed word for word; the release's own URL and text name him among the signatories. Quoted: "This is a moment of great consequence, the world is watching. Today is, in many ways, Congress' first official vote where we can weigh in on the direction of this war. If Congress votes to continue to supply offensive military aid, we make ourselves complicit in this tragedy." And: "Our votes against H.R. 8034 are votes against supplying more offensive weapons that could result in more killings of civilians in Rafah and elsewhere. We believe strongly in Israel's right to self-defense and have joined colleagues previously in affirming our shared commitment." And: "All of us support strengthening the Iron Dome and other defense systems and we are committed to a sovereign, safe, and secure future for Israel. To protect that future, we believe the United States must help achieve a ceasefire that allows hostages to be freed, humanitarian aid to be delivered, and peace talks to begin."
⚠ **Multi-member statement, roughly twenty signatories.** Its words are the group's, not his individually, and the card says "signed a joint statement" for that reason. The statement also characterizes Netanyahu at length; that passage is the group's and is not attributed to him.
- [Position, 2025-06-05] Co-sponsored the Block the Bombs Act (H.R. 3565). Confirmed that the release names him. The bill would prohibit transfers of specified offensive weapons (2,000-pound bombs, tank rounds, artillery shells) absent written compliance with U.S. and international humanitarian law. Rep. Delia Ramirez, its lead sponsor, has her own card in this batch.
- [After October 7, 2023-10-25] Expressed skepticism about combining aid requests: a single $106 billion package "gives me pause," per David Catanese's newsletter. From the weeks right after October 7; not used on the card.
- [Position, 2026-03-10] JTA noted his continued backing of the Block the Bombs Act. Not opened.
- His recorded votes on the tracked bills appear as badges on this card; the April 2024 statement is the signatories' own explanation of the vote against H.R. 8034.
U.S. aid to Palestinians
- [Position, 2024-04-20] The joint statement calls for a ceasefire "that allows hostages to be freed, humanitarian aid to be delivered, and peace talks to begin" (confirmed, above).
- [After October 7, 2023-11-17] Joined Rep. Danny Davis in calling for a ceasefire and peace. From the weeks right after October 7.
Characterization of the conflict
- [After October 7, 2023-10-07] Statement on the Hamas attack.
- [After October 7, 2023-11-21] The Root interview on calls for a ceasefire.
- [After October 7, 2023-12-31] Guardian piece touching on his family's civil-rights legacy and the conflict. Note: `theguardian.com` refuses one route and answers a desktop browser; not opened.
Safety and antisemitism (context)
- Nothing distinct located beyond the material above.
Consulted
- Ballotpedia; a YouTube item not opened.
Also in this race: Christian Maxwell (Republican) · All Illinois candidates.
See the full record →But What Can You Do? tracks where 2026 candidates stand on U.S. weapons and funding for the government of Israel. Every claim on this page goes through at least two verification steps. Open the interactive card for votes, funding and contact details.