A crowd of over 100 locals and members of the media gathered at the West Side office of Cong. Danny Davis on July 31 to hear whether he would choose to run for a 16th term.
After nearly 30 years representing Illinois’ 7th congressional district, Davis announced he won’t be seeking reelection next year, instead declaring his retirement come Jan. 2027.
Davis started the press conference at 2815 W. Fifth Ave. with exuberant thanks to those who have supported him up-close, like his wife of 55 years, and from afar.
“I want to thank the people who offer to pump my gas at the service station when I pull in there in the morning to get some gasoline. I want to thank the folks at the supermarket when I go grocery shopping, who ask if I want to take their place in line,” Davis said. “I really want to thank the thousands who believed we could make a difference.”
When asked by the media why he’s retiring now, Davis, 83, said it’s largely because of his age.
“I’ve got a brand-new rocking chair. I’m going to sit back in my rocking chair and relax a little bit,” Davis said, adding that he’s looking forward to sleeping in. But he plans to remain engaged by reading, researching and campaigning to keep getting Democrats elected.
Davis said he hopes that his legacy in Congress will be that he inspired and activated people to get engaged in policy at a different level.
“The only regret that I have is I didn’t start doing this earlier,” Davis said. “Chicago, Illinois has done some marvelous things. The road has not always been the easiest, but I’ll tell you, I’ve had so much fun.”
Davis started his career in public office in 1979. He served as alderman of the 29th Ward for 11 years and on the Cook County Board of Commissioners for six years. He was elected to Congress to represent the 7th district in 1997 and, since then, has brought billions of dollars to his district by advocating for affordable housing, health care and education. He said he was instrumental in writing the Affordable Care Act.
“There have been changes, positive and regressive. But you know, there also comes a time when one decides that there are new avenues, new approaches, new opportunities,” he said.
Endorsing La Shawn Ford
Davis also endorsed State Rep. La Shawn Ford, 53 and an Austin native, for his seat, pointing to Ford’s commitment to, and understanding of, the community.
“It is my honor, it is my pleasure, and it is my delight to endorse you,” Davis said to Ford as the crowd started chanting the state representative’s last name. Davis said he’s excited to have “a young, seasoned person who can grow into leadership.” He added, “You don’t have to be old, and you don’t have to have gray hair, to represent.”
“This is a big deal. The biggest deal of all is that Congressman Davis has passed the torch, but told me, ‘You’ve got to finish the race,’” Ford said. “It didn’t come easy. I feel like every day I talked to him, he was interviewing me,” though Davis and Ford’s constituencies largely overlap on Chicago’s West Side and the western suburbs.
“Growing up, I always noticed a bond between my dad and Congressman Davis,” said Tia Ford, the state representative’s daughter, who said the public officials are “cut from the same cloth.”
“I am deeply thankful and gratefully accept the endorsement of Congressman Davis, a true champion of our community,” Ford said. “Your support, Congressman Davis, is not just an honor. It’s a strong affirmation of our shared mission to uplift and empower the people we serve.”
In an interview with Ford that was embargoed until Davis announced his retirement and endorsement, Ford told Growing Community Media that, if elected, he’ll focus on helping people who are unhoused, are reentering society after incarceration or need affordable health care. He also said he’d help end the continuing war on drugs.
At the July 31 press conference, Ford said he’d collaborate with Republicans, as he has for nearly 18 years as a state representative in Springfield, as “meaningful progress requires communication.” In his current position, Ford has also “learned that authentic leadership involves building relationships and fostering open dialogue. It’s about understanding the challenges and crafting solutions together.”
Ford added, “I am prepared to collaborate with stakeholders, families, businesses, hospitals, nonprofits, and advocates within the 7th congressional district to build a more vibrant community by working together to craft policy that genuinely meets our shared needs.”
Other candidates who have filed to fill Davis’ seat come the primary election in March include Chicago attorney Jason Friedman, former Marine John McCombs, pastor Jerico J. Brown, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, and Richard Boykin, Davis’ former chief of staff who was later elected to represent the 1st District on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Tekita Martinez and Danica David Leigh are also running, and Emelia Rosie filed with no political party affiliation. Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin also announced she’s running, but hasn’t yet filed.
