Chicago City Wire

La Shawn K. Ford, a state representative from Austin on Chicago’s West Side, has announced his candidacy for the U.S. House in Illinois’ 7th district. The seat is currently held by Danny K. Davis, who recently announced his retirement and endorsed Ford as his preferred successor.

Ford previously worked as a social studies teacher in Chicago Public Schools and is also a licensed real estate broker. In 2020, he called for changes to how history is taught in Illinois schools, stating: “When it comes to teaching history in Illinois, we need to end the miseducation of Illinoisans, I’m calling on the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts to take immediate action by removing current history books and curriculum practices that unfairly communicate our history.”

Davis has long been associated with progressive politics and was endorsed by the Chicago Democratic Socialists of America in 2008. In recent years, other candidates have challenged Davis from within the Democratic Party, including city treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and former Cook County commissioner Richard Boykin.

Ford’s legislative record highlights social justice as a guiding principle. According to his General Assembly website: “Throughout his entire legislative career,” his General Assembly website says, “La Shawn has introduced and passed legislation with social justice as the guiding principle.”

The 7th congressional district is known for its unusual shape and strong Democratic leanings.

Ford ran for mayor of Chicago in 2019 but received only one percent of the vote. He was indicted on federal bank fraud charges in 2012 related to real estate investments but later pleaded guilty to filing a false income tax return; all other charges were dropped.

In recent years, Ford introduced legislation that would allow convicted felons to run for local office. He has also advocated for measures such as allowing voters to recall Chicago mayors.

On criminal justice issues, Ford supports policies like the no-cash bail SAFE-T Act. During a 2021 radio interview he said: “I do believe that we cannot, we cannot, you know, prosecute, charge our way, incarcerate our way out of crime.”

Recent trends show some shift away from lenient prosecution policies both locally and nationally. In Cook County, State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke has seen an increase in jail population since taking office.

The race for Illinois’ 7th congressional district includes several other Democratic candidates following Davis’s retirement announcement.