Jeff Jackson: Politician by Day, TikTok Star by Night
Photo via Newsobserver Website
CHRISTIANA TUCHOLSKI: Democratic Rep. Jeff Jackson has gone viral on TikTok for his fireside-like chats that give viewers a simple explanation of political happenings in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, he is being gerrymandered out of North Carolina’s 14th district. Now, he plans to run for Attorney General.
Jackson first rose to fame through his use of simple language when explaining complicated political events. He talks to his followers as if they are important, making them feel credible. Many have compared Jackson to FDR, commenting that his new manner of communication is similar to that of FDR’s fireside-chats. As passionate as Jackson seems to be about cleaning the government of political corruption, he was unfortunately a victim of it himself.
Jackson posted a TikTok on Oct. 10 announcing his bid for attorney general, but not before explaining his situation. As congressional boundaries were redrawn, the Republican legislature drew a more right-wing favoring line. The new section would be extremely difficult for any Democratic candidate to win. Jackson, seemingly angered by the political corruption, has decided to join the race for North Carolina Attorney General, saying that he wants to go “after [the] political corruption” that lost him his job.
Possibly one of the more interesting parts of Jackson’s announcement is his disregard for political parties. In his post, he claims that “it’s got nothing to do with parties.” He expresses that he will prosecute anyone who shows corruption. While this is certainly a good quality, it can be difficult to trust anything a politician says; however, Jackson’s commitment to the public seems to shine through on his social media and his legislation.
Recently, Jackson has been involved in a new bill to improve a weather radar gap in the Charlotte area - his district. This bill would expand new weather radar systems to previously underrepresented areas, places that need it the most. While this is not necessarily a major bill, it certainly showcases his devotion to his home district. This may be the key to his victory.
Jackson promises to go after those spreading “fentanyl that targets our kids,” corporations that “break the rules with price gouging,” and “organized crime that targets your bank account.” Addressing problems that most politicians refuse to acknowledge could be a vital portion of his platform. It continues his idea of fireside chats, recognizing what everyday Americans want in an official.
Jackson’s situation showcases the dangers of gerrymandering and the corrupt politics within the United States, but he may prove to be a perfect example of overcoming obstacles and taking a new position: Attorney General.
Christiana is a Staff Writer of On The Record. She is a freshman in the College studying Government and History. Christiana enjoys skiing and exploring new coffee shops in her free time.