A special election for Illinois' 2nd congressional district was held on April 9, 2013, to fill a seat in the United States House of Representatives for Illinois's 2nd congressional district, after Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned on November 21, 2012. The special election was required to be held within 115 days of Jackson's resignation. It was won by Democratic candidate Robin Kelly, formerly the Chief Administrative Officer of Cook County.
Pat Quinn, the Governor of Illinois, set the primary elections for February 26, coinciding with municipal primary elections, and initially set the general election for March 19. However, legislation was enacted at Quinn's request to allow the general election to coincide with municipal general elections held on April 9.
The winner of the Democratic primary was Robin Kelly and Paul McKinley won the Republican Primary. The Green Party nominated 2010 U.S. Senate candidate LeAlan Jones.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
Anthony Beale, Alderman
John Blyt
Patrick O. Brutus
Clifford Eagleton
Ernest B. Fenton
Debbie Halvorson, former U.S. Representative
Gregory Haynes
Denise A. Hill, Minister (write-in) Robin Kelly, Cook County Chief Administrative Officer (Won primary) Fatimah N. Muhammed Larry D. Pickens Charles Rayburn Mel Reynolds, former U.S. Representative Jonathan Victor Joyce W. Washington, 2004 U.S. Senate candidate Anthony W. Williams, Community Activist
Withdrawn
Donne Trotter, State Senator (endorsed Robin Kelly) Napoleon Harris, State Senator (endorsed Robin Kelly) Toi Hutchinson, State Senator (endorsed Robin Kelly)
Declined
Sam Adam Jr., attorney
Corey Brooks, pastor
William D. Burns, Alderman
Jonathan Jackson, civil rights activist and Jackson Jr.'s brother
Sandi Jackson, Alderman and Jackson Jr.'s wife
David E. Miller, former state Representative
Todd Stroger, former President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners
Did not file
James Hickey, President of the Orland Fire Protection District board and candidate for the 11th congressional district in 2012
Polling
+ Internal poll for Toi Hutchison Campaign
^ Internal poll for Robin Kelly Campaign
Results
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
Lenny McAllister, political commentator and former radio show host
Paul McKinley (Won Primary) Beverly E. Reid Eric M. Wallace
Withdrawn
James Taylor Sr., newspaper publisher and candidate for the 2nd congressional district in 2012
Results
Green Party
The Green Party nominated 2010 U.S. Senate candidate and journalist LeAlan Jones to run on the Green Party ticket.
Independent candidates
Curtiss Llong Bey
Marcus Lewis, postal worker and candidate for the 2nd congressional district in 2012 Elizabeth "Liz" Pahlke