News + Press
News + Press
News + Press
West Virginia Democrats Mourn the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2026
Charleston, WV - The West Virginia Democratic Party today mourns the passing of Jesse Jackson, a towering figure in American public life whose faith, courage, and moral clarity reshaped Democratic politics and moved the nation closer to its highest ideals.
Rev. Jackson twice ran for President of the United States as a Democrat, and his surprising and historic performance in the 1984 and 1988 Democratic presidential primaries fundamentally changed American politics. His campaign elevated coalition politics—bringing together working people, communities of color, labor, faith leaders, and those too often left out of the process—and helped spur lasting reforms in the Democratic Party’s presidential nominating process that made it more open, more inclusive, and more democratic.
Rev. Jackson reminded Americans of who we are at our best, teaching that: “America is not like a blanket, one piece of unbroken cloth, the same color, the same texture, the same size. America is more like a quilt of many patches, many pieces, many colors, and many sizes.”
He also warned, with moral certainty, that “no lie can live forever,” a message that resonates powerfully in our own time.
His words from the 1988 Democratic National Convention continue to carry special meaning for Americans today: “It gets dark sometimes, but the morning comes. Don’t you surrender. Suffering breeds character, and character breeds faith, and in the end faith will not disappoint you. You must not surrender, we must never surrender. America will get better and better. Keep hope alive, keep hope alive, keep hope alive!”
Delegate Anitra Hamilton said, “Today, we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson - an advocate for civil rights, economic justice, and the dignity of all people. Rev Jackson challenged America to become what it promised - land of the free and home of the brave. Through his leadership in the civil rights movement and his work to expand political participation, he reminded us that democracy only works when everyone has a voice. He challenged systems but still believed in democracy. May we continue the work he advanced, being intentional to build bridges and not barriers.
House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, said: “Jesse Jackson was ahead of his time, and the world is better for having had him in it. He was the epitome of a freedom fighter, advocating for the poor, civil rights, and equality. From marching with Martin Luther King, Jr. to negotiating deals that brought troops and other Americans home from hostile situations, he lived a remarkable life of service and sacrifice. I hope his vision lives on.”
Delegate Hollis Lewis said, “Today, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader who dedicated his life to expanding opportunity and lifting up those too often left unheard. His historic campaigns for President of the United States challenged our nation to believe in a broader, more inclusive democracy and inspired generations to see themselves reflected in the political process.
I am also proud to recognize him as a fellow brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.—a bond rooted in manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. His life embodied those principles.
May we continue the work toward equity, empower our communities, and place our faith in the power of collective action. Rest well, Brother Jackson.”
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin added, “The very first vote I ever cast in a presidential primary was for Rev. Jackson in 1988. He changed the face of American politics and truly moved this nation ever closer towards a more perfect union. May he rest in peace.”
The West Virginia Democratic Party extends its deepest condolences to Rev. Jackson’s family, loved ones, and all those inspired by his life of service. We honor his legacy by recommitting ourselves to the values he championed—justice, dignity, truth, and hope.”
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