The field continues to grow in the special election for former Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr.’s seat.

State Sen. Toi Hutchinson announced Thursday that she will join the burgeoning open Democratic primary for the 2nd District, south of Chicago.

“Families in the South Suburbs and the southside deserve a representative who understands their concerns and who will work alongside President [Barack] Obama to create new jobs, rebuild our roads and schools, and protect the gains we’ve made on equal pay, health care and civil rights,” Hutchinson said in a statement.

Officials scheduled the special primary for Feb. 26. The winner of the Democratic primary will likely come to Congress to represent this heavily Democratic district.

Several Democrats have already announced campaigns for the seat, including Hutchinson’s former boss, former Rep. Debbie Halvorson. Former Rep. Mel Reynolds, former NFL Linebacker Napoleon Harris and Alderman Anthony Beale have also jumped into the race.

Hutchison served as Halvorson’s chief of staff in the state senate. She took the former congresswoman’s seat when Halvorson came to Capitol Hill.

Jackson announced his resignation from Congress last week following reports he was pursuing a deal with federal investigators for alleged improper use of campaign funds.