Ald. Sandi Jackson was one half of a major political power couple.
Her husband, Jesse Jackson Jr., resigned from Congress in November amid a federal investigation and health issues. Now the alderman is leaving her post, as well.
Reaction from elected officials, constituents and friends was swift following the Friday afternoon announcement.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel:
"As Sandi takes this time to focus on her family, we give her out deepest thanks and support for her service to our city and the residents of her ward."
Rep. Danny Davis:
"I am not surprised because people get overwhelmed. ... You get overwhelmed with people stalking you to ask you questions that you can't answer. You get overwhelmed when there are times you just kind of want to be left alone, and yet the public deserves some answers."
Ald. George Cardenas:
"Sorry to hear my colleague Sandi Jackson is stepping down. She is a tremendous strong woman. Wish her nothing but the best."
Ald. Bob Fioretti:
"I thought she was probably going to stay around for a while longer. She has family considerations. She's always made sure that she was devoted to her family."
Rawland Crane, constituent
"She feels that it's necessary for her to take of her family life and put her business life aside. At least for the time being I completely understand that and I respect her for doing so."
Will Sanders, constituent:
"This neighborhood has really changed for the bad. .. I've been in this area since 1968. I've only seen her a few times, and when we had that snowstorm -- what was that, in 2011? -- we didn't even have any snow trucks over here."
Norma Deshields Brown, friend
"I'm really surprised. ... Between the kids, the job, the husband and the politics, and your life always before the media, it's a little rough for anybody."
