Cheryle Jackson forms Senate exploratory committee

The Democratic field for the Illinois Senate race next year appears to have gained another contender, as Chicago Urban League head Cheryle Jackson plans to form an exploratory committee this week.

Crain’s Greg Hinz reports that Jackson will declare her candidacy for the race “within a couple of months.”

“I’m moving forward,” Jackson told Crain’s.”I’ve received an enormous amount of feedback, positive feedback…This is a bold step for me.”

Before becoming the chief of the Urban League of Chicago nearly three years ago, Jackson worked for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D).

If (or when) she does declare her candidacy, Jackson will join Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias in the Democratic primary. Chris Kennedy is also reportedly mulling a run, and the White House has meet with Democratic Attorney General Lisa Madigan in an attempt to forgo her gubernatorial aspirations and run for the Senate.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-release.digital-release.thehill.com