Election for Congressman Jackson’s seat April 9

The special election to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. will be held April 9.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Sunday to approve the date.

Jackson resigned last month citing his health and acknowledging he’s under federal investigation.

Quinn had 115-day window to set an election. But he wanted the Jackson contest to coincide with municipal elections already planned for April 9 so he had to seek lawmaker approval to change the timeline. Lawmakers approved legislation for the date change.

Quinn says the move saves taxpayer money.

The primary for the special election is Feb 26.

Jackson’s vacancy means there’s a rare opening in the Democratic-leaning Chicago area district that Jackson had held since 1995. A number of candidates have declared intentions to run including former Democratic Rep. Debbie Halvorson.