Former congresswoman Debbie Halvorson has announced plans to run against Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the 2nd congressional district. The former 11th district representative, who lost to U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R) last year, was remapped into Jackson's district during the recent redistricting process.

"Our families are facing serious challenges, and they need a serious Member of Congress who can get things done," said Halvorson in a press release. "Our neighbors don't need rhetoric, they need results, and I've delivered actual results for nearly twenty years. I'm running to bring real representation, real leadership, and real results back to our district."

Jesse Jackson, Jr. responded to the news of Halvorson's campaign plans with the following statement:

During the past 16 years I have maintained a narrow focus on bringing jobs to the Southland. I've secured more than $900 million in federal investments in the 2nd Congressional District -- more than any other congressman in the state during that period.

I've also worked with local communities to secure $700 million in private funds to build a new airport that will create 15,000 new jobs. Ours is the only airport plan I'm aware of, and I plan to see it through until opening day. People today want more jobs and less political infighting.