Political figures across the spectrum paid tribute to the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., the influential civil rights leader and two-time Democratic presidential candidate who died at age 84, highlighting his enduring impact on American politics and social justice.

Vice President JD Vance shared a personal connection in his tribute, noting on social media platform X that a close family member had only voted in two presidential primaries throughout her life: for Jesse Jackson in 1988 and Donald Trump in 2016. “RIP Jesse Jackson,” Vance wrote, illustrating Jackson’s unique ability to inspire voters who would later align with different political movements.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris recalled her early admiration for Jackson, sharing a story about her time as a law student. “I had a bumper sticker in the back window of my car that read: ‘Jesse Jackson for President,'” Harris wrote. She described how drivers from diverse backgrounds would signal their support with thumbs-up gestures or supportive honks as she traveled between Oakland and San Francisco.

“They were small interactions, but they exemplified Reverend Jackson’s life work — lifting up the dignity of working people, building community and coalitions, and strengthening our democracy and nation,” Harris added, acknowledging Jackson’s influence on her own political career. She expressed gratitude for their partnership and their time together earlier this year.

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama released a statement expressing their deep sadness at Jackson’s passing, calling him “a true giant.” Their tribute highlighted the personal connections between the families, with Obama noting that “Michelle got her first glimpse of political organizing at the Jacksons’ kitchen table when she was a teenager.”

Obama’s statement acknowledged Jackson’s groundbreaking presidential campaigns in the 1980s, which helped pave the way for Obama’s own historic presidency. “In his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign to the highest office of the land,” Obama wrote, recognizing Jackson’s role in breaking racial barriers in American politics.

Jackson’s death marks the end of an era in civil rights leadership. His Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded to advance social justice causes, became a powerful platform for advocating economic, social, and political equality. Throughout his decades of activism, Jackson worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and later developed his own approach to civil rights advocacy that emphasized coalition-building across racial and economic lines.

As a presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988, Jackson achieved unprecedented success for an African American candidate up to that time. His 1988 campaign, in particular, garnered significant support and helped reshape Democratic party politics by expanding the party’s base and highlighting issues affecting marginalized communities.

In recent years, Jackson had stepped back from public life while dealing with health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease and a rare brain disorder for which he received treatment. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected voice in civil rights discussions and continued to inspire political leaders across generations.

The bipartisan nature of tributes to Jackson highlights his unique ability to command respect from across the political spectrum. Though primarily associated with progressive causes, Jackson’s emphasis on economic justice, voting rights, and human dignity resonated beyond traditional political boundaries.

As the nation reflects on Jackson’s legacy, his contributions to American civil rights, politics, and social justice stand as a testament to his lifetime of service and his unwavering commitment to equality.