Boykin Leads Crowded Field for Davis' 7th District Seat

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A new poll conducted by the Richard Boykin for Congress campaign shows Boykin leading the crowded field of candidates vying to replace retiring Congressman Danny Davis in Illinois' 7th Congressional District. The survey indicates Boykin has a clear path to victory in the Democratic primary, with strong support from likely voters focused on issues like the economy, schools, crime, and healthcare.

Why it matters

The 7th Congressional District race is an open seat with the retirement of long-time Congressman Danny Davis, creating an opportunity for new leadership. Boykin's strong polling position suggests he may be well-positioned to win the Democratic nomination and potentially the general election in this heavily Democratic district.

The details

The poll, conducted January 26-28, shows Boykin in second place among the leading candidates with 23% support, trailing only LaShawn Ford at 14%. The survey also found that 56% of likely voters believe their Representative should focus more on issues like the economy and healthcare, compared to 38% who want a focus on protecting against threats from Trump. This ideological divide gives Boykin an advantage, as he is the only candidate to have released detailed policy papers on key issues. The poll also found that Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, who has endorsed Boykin, is slightly more popular in the district than the retiring Congressman Davis.

• The poll was conducted January 26-28, 2026.
• The Illinois 7th Congressional District Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

What’s next

The Illinois 7th Congressional District Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026. The winner of the primary will go on to face the Republican nominee in the general election.