Overview
- Rep. Danny Davis is retiring after nearly 30 years representing the Chicago-based district, setting up a crowded Democratic primary to replace him.
- Davis has endorsed state Rep. La Shawn Ford, who reported a voting machine error at his West Side polling place before casting a paper ballot.
- Prominent contenders include Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Richard Boykin, Rory Hoskins, Kina Collins, Anthony Driver, Jason Friedman, and Dr. Thomas Fisher.
- Fundraising has emerged as a key divider, with Friedman raising about $2.5 million and Fisher topping $626,000 on a health care–focused platform.
- Past controversies shadow the race, as Ford pleaded guilty in 2014 to a misdemeanor tax count and Conyears-Ervin paid a $30,000 ethics fine last year, while Republicans Patricia “P Rae” Easley and Chad Koppie await the Democratic nominee.