Napoleon Harris Running For JJJ's Seat

Recently-elected state senator eyes 2nd Congressional District seat

He just won an election to the Illinois State Senate, but Napoleon Harris is not resting.

Harris announced Thursday he will enter the special election as a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District seat vacated by Jesse Jackson, Jr.

"We have a void in leadership right now and people of the 2nd Congressional District need leadership, and I have the ability to lead," Harris said.

Harris was raised in Dixmoor where he was a high school football and basketball star at Thornton Township. He went on play linebacker at Northwestern University and spent seven seasons in the NFL.

Today he owns two Beggars Pizza restaurants in the south suburbs and sees education as key to job seekers.

"A diploma should have some economic value. Any time you're able to get an education it definitely enhances that," Harris said.

At least six veteran politicians are also running in the special election. They're all expected to attend the Democratic slate making meeting on Saturday.

"I feel obligated to the people, as well as the committeemen who put this process together to participate," Harris says.

Harris says whoever the Democrats choose to endorse, he's in the race to stay.

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