Harris drops bid for Jackson Jr.’s old seat

Freshman state Sen. Napoleon Harris has dropped his bid for former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.’s seat and is putting his support behind former state Rep. Robin Kelly.

Harris just started his first term in the state Senate. He’s a former Northwestern University football player who played seven years in the NFL.

Harris announced his endorsement of Kelly on Wednesday, saying she’s the right candidate for the job.

The primary for the special election is Feb. 26.

It’s a crowded field for Democratic candidates, which includes former Congressmen Debbie Halvorson and Mel Reynolds and state Sen. Toi Hutchinson.

The district includes Chicago neighborhoods, South suburbs and some rural areas.

Jackson resigned in November from the seat he’s held since 1995. He cited his health and acknowledged he’s under federal investigation.