For much of Chicago’s West Side, La Shawn Ford will be the first new congressman in nearly 30 years.
The Nov. 3 race for the 7th congressional district — which covers Forest Park, Oak Park, Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale, the Loop, then stretches south to Englewood — was called about an hour after polls closed at 7 p.m. With less than 17% of votes reported, Ford had over 88% of the vote. The Republican candidate, Chad Koppie, had under 12% of votes.
Hundreds of people celebrated Ford’s victory at XS Tennis Village on Chicago’s South Side. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cong. Danny Davis both took the stage to congratulate Ford.
“It just dawned on me after all these months that I actually won the election just now, and that the responsibility is about to be all of ours, the responsibility that Cong. Danny K. Davis has had for years,” Ford said.
Davis welcomed Ford to the stage after the race was called and “Never Would’ve Made It” played over the speakers. The two Austin residents hugged for several seconds, held hands and cried on stage until the song was over.
Ford takes the helm of the 7th congressional district after Davis was first elected to the seat in 1997. Davis announced his retirement in July, the same time that he endorsed Ford to take his place.
An hour before polls closed, Camille Lilly, state representative of the 78th district, applauded Ford after working with him for 16 years.
“He understands what public service is all about. He understands that bringing our veterans, bringing our businesses, bringing Blacks, bringing everyone together is how we need to do that,” Lilly said. “I look forward to working with Congressman Ford in utilizing the resources from the state and the federal government and the city to make sure that every citizen here in the state of Illinois has what they need.”
Rep. La Shawn Ford takes a moment before going on stage to speak after winning the 7th congressional district seat at his election watch party on Nov. 3, 2026, in Chicago. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Rep. La Shawn Ford brings Gen Z attendees of his election celebration on stage to speak at XS Tennis in Chicago on Nov. 3, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Retiring Rep. Danny Davis and Rep. La Shawn Ford celebrate after he is announced the new 7th congressional district seat winner on Nov. 3, 2026, at the election watch party in Chicago. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Charlie Mabry gets emotional while Rep. La Shawn Ford speaks after he is announced the new 7th congressional district seat winner on Nov. 3, 2026, at the election watch party in Chicago. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Tia Ford, Rep. La Shawn Ford’s daughter, gets emotional while speaking his election celebration at XS Tennis in Chicago on Nov. 3, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
An attendee of Rep. La Shawn Ford’s election watch party in Chicago celebrates after his win was announced on Nov. 3, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan 
Rep. Camille Lilly takes a selfie during Rep. La Shawn Ford’s election celebration at XS Tennis in Chicago on Nov. 3, 2026. Credit: Sydney Lovan
Janeicia Williams, masters of ceremonies with Derrick Summerville for Ford’s Nov. 3 event, said Davis has helped grow her career. She’s a consultant and advocate for the West Side and leads The Austin Experience, which highlights local events.
“I am living proof of what happens when a leader opens the door,” Williams said. “He gave me a platform…. He didn’t just give me a microphone, he helped me find my voice.”
Williams added that Ford not only had the opportunity to carry Davis’ legacy, but to “open doors for the next generation to rise,” she said. “Tonight is a celebration, but tomorrow the work continues. We have to turn this election night of excitement into everyday engagement.”