Crowded Field Vies for Illinois' 7th Congressional District Seat

Thirteen candidates are running in the Democratic primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A crowded field of 13 candidates, including some familiar names in Illinois politics, are vying for the Democratic nomination in the race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Danny Davis in Illinois' 7th Congressional District. The winner of the Democratic primary will be heavily favored to win the general election in this heavily Democratic district.

Why it matters

The 7th Congressional District seat has been held by Rep. Danny Davis for nearly three decades, and the primary winner will be in a strong position to succeed him. The new representative will have a powerful voice in Congress, voting on federal laws that affect all Americans and advocating for their district's interests.

The details

The Democratic candidates include Richard Boykin, a former Cook County commissioner; Kina Collins, a community organizer and anti-gun violence activist; Melissa Conyears-Ervin, the Chicago city treasurer; Anthony Driver, executive director of the SEIU Illinois State Council; and several other current and former state and local officials, as well as political newcomers. The winner will face the Republican primary victor, which could include Chad Koppie and Patricia 'P Rae' Easley.

  • The Democratic primary election will be held on March 17, 2026.
  • The general election for the 7th Congressional District seat will be on November 4, 2026.

The players

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis

The incumbent 7th District representative who is retiring after nearly three decades in office.

Richard Boykin

An attorney, former Cook County commissioner, and former chief of staff to Rep. Danny Davis who has also run unsuccessful campaigns for county board president and circuit court clerk.

Kina Collins

A community organizer and anti-gun violence activist making her fourth run for the 7th District seat.

Melissa Conyears-Ervin

The current Chicago city treasurer and former state representative who finished as the runner-up to Rep. Danny Davis in the 2024 Democratic primary.

Anthony Driver

The executive director of the Service Employees International Union Illinois State Council and the first president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This crowded Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District seat highlights the competitive nature of the race to succeed the long-serving Rep. Danny Davis. The winner will have a powerful voice in Congress, advocating for their district's interests and voting on legislation that impacts all Americans.