Illinois Legislative News: August 4, 2025
Third Reading Consulting Group
On Thursday, July 31, Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL-7) announced his retirement. At the conclusion of his final term, Davis will have served 15 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, ending a 29-year congressional career that began in 1997. Davis built a legacy as an advocate of civil rights, criminal justice reform, and affordable housing initiatives, representing a district that includes parts of downtown Chicago, the South and West Sides of Chicago, and expanding into the western suburbs.
His retirement opens a competitive Democratic primary in the 2026 election. The outgoing Davis endorsed state Rep. La Shawn Ford (D-Chicago) to replace him in Congress. Others vying for the seat include former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyers-Ervin, real estate lawyer Jason Friedman, Marine Corps veteran John McCombs, pastor Jerico Brown, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, UChicago MBA candidate Danica Leigh, Emelia Washington Soviegn, and Tekita Martinez. Davis is the third Illinois Democrat to announce retirement from Congress this election cycle, joining Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9) and Sen. Dick Durbin.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
October 14-16 – Veto Session Week 1
October 28-30 – Veto Session Week 2