Dave Ehrlich runs for 7th district Congress

The public and environmental policy professor has worked for congressmen and as a watchdog for Congress

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Dave Ehrlich, a public and environmental policy professor with over 20 years of experience working for Congress and as a government watchdog, is running for the 7th congressional district in Illinois. Ehrlich has taught graduate school classes on public policy and worked for Congressmen Charles Rangel and Claude Pepper, known for their work on the Affordable Care Act, social security, and other liberal policies. Ehrlich also spent 15 years at the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress. His platform focuses on reducing corruption, addressing climate change through carbon taxes and green infrastructure, and reforming campaign finance.

Why it matters

The 7th congressional district in Illinois is an important seat, as the current representative, Danny Davis, is retiring after nearly 30 years in office. Ehrlich's extensive experience in Congress and as a policy expert could make him a strong candidate to continue Davis' legacy of progressive policies. His focus on reducing corruption and addressing climate change are also timely issues for voters.

The details

Ehrlich has taught over 140 courses to over 3,000 students on climate and environmental policy, often educating students about legislation to slow climate change like carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs. He is also advocating for more green infrastructure in Chicago to prevent flooding and increase property values, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods that are disproportionately affected by poor air quality. Ehrlich is not taking any PAC or corporate money and is pushing for campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of wealthy donors.

  • Ehrlich has taught graduate school classes on public policy for 21 years.
  • Ehrlich worked for Congressmen Charles Rangel and Claude Pepper for a total of 22 years.
  • Ehrlich spent 15 years working for the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
  • Ehrlich ran for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District board in 2012.

The players

Dave Ehrlich

A public and environmental policy professor who is running for the 7th congressional district in Illinois.

Charles Rangel

A former Congressman from New York City who represented districts for 46 years, was the first African American to lead the Ways and Means Committee, and founded the Congressional Black Caucus.

Claude Pepper

A former Congressman from the Miami area who served as chairman of the House Rules Committee and advocated for the elderly and liberalism.

Danny Davis

The current Representative of the 7th congressional district in Illinois, who is retiring after nearly 30 years in office.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's pretty incontrovertible that I do have more experience with both policy and in Congress.”

— Dave Ehrlich (forestparkreview.com)

“I would want to continue his legacy. He was interested in the same kinds of issues that I'm interested in.”

— Dave Ehrlich (forestparkreview.com)

“GAO is the watchdog of Congress. We're also trained to look for corruption, waste, fraud and abuse.”

— Dave Ehrlich (forestparkreview.com)

What’s next

The March 17 primary will determine the Democratic nominee for the 7th congressional district, who will then face the Republican nominee in the November general election.

The takeaway

Ehrlich's extensive experience in Congress and as a policy expert, combined with his focus on reducing corruption and addressing climate change, could make him a strong candidate to continue the legacy of progressive policies in the 7th congressional district of Illinois.