Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. re-elected while on medical leave

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. addresses the audience at the Democratic National Convention 2008 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, on August 25, 2008. PHOTO/Richards/AFP/Getty Images

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. says he’s humbled and moved by the support voters have shown through his sickness.

The Chicago Democrat easily won re-election to a ninth full term Tuesday. He first won in 1995.

In a statement sent to The Associated Press, Jackson expresses “deep and sincere” thanks. He says once doctors approve his return to work he’ll continue to be a “progressive fighter.”

Jackson says he continues to feel better every day.

The son of the civil rights leader was widely expected to win even though he hasn’t appeared publicly in months.

Jackson has been on medical leave since June this year and has released few details about his treatment for bipolar disorder.

The election comes amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into Jackson’s links to imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press