13 Candidates Vie for Seat in 7th Congressional District Primary

Crowded field makes it difficult for voters to choose in March 17 Democratic primary

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With 13 candidates running in the March 17 Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District seat, many voters are feeling overwhelmed by the paradox of choice. The field includes candidates with name recognition like State Rep. La Shawn Ford, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, and activist Kina Collins, as well as newcomers like emergency room doctor Thomas Fisher and real estate developer Jason Friedman. The large number of candidates means the winner could receive less than 30% of the vote, with as few as 20,000 votes potentially enough to win.

Why it matters

The 7th Congressional District is a diverse and politically active area of Chicago, and the outcome of this primary will have significant implications for the district's representation in Congress. With so many candidates, voters may have difficulty making an informed choice, which could lead to a winner with limited support from the broader electorate.

The details

The 13 candidates include State Rep. La Shawn Ford, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, activist Kina Collins, labor leader Anthony Driver, emergency room doctor Thomas Fisher, real estate developer Jason Friedman, and former County Commissioner Richard Boykin, among others. Candidates are employing a range of strategies, from emphasizing economic issues and relying on established political organizations to running grassroots campaigns focused on young, progressive voters. With so many options, political observers predict the winner could receive less than 30% of the vote, with as few as 20,000 votes potentially enough to win the race.

  • The Democratic primary election will be held on March 17, 2026.

The players

La Shawn Ford

State Representative from Chicago's 8th District.

Melissa Conyears-Ervin

Chicago City Treasurer who finished second in the last election for this seat.

Kina Collins

Activist making her fourth run for Congress in this district.

Anthony Driver

Labor leader and head of the Illinois chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Thomas Fisher

Emergency room doctor with an 'Obamaesque appeal' according to the article.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm the only candidate in the race with cross demographic appeal which comes from the credibility of being a practicing physician who worked for President Obama with progressive ideals.”

— Thomas Fisher, Candidate

“I think of all the candidates here we have the widest path to victory. You have to win everywhere; you have to be everywhere and that's what we've done. We've crisscrossed this district. It's a very diverse district, Chinatown is very different than Oak Park, North Lawndale is very different than River North.”

— Jason Friedman, Candidate

“People are sick and tired of these career, corrupt politicians that we have here, especially in our city, that have failed to fight for them and have let them down over and over and over again.”

— Jason Friedman, Candidate

What’s next

The Democratic primary election will be held on March 17, 2026, where voters will choose the party's nominee for the 7th Congressional District seat.

The takeaway

With 13 candidates in the race, voters in the 7th Congressional District are facing a paradox of choice, making it difficult to determine the best candidate. The large field means the winner could receive less than 30% of the vote, highlighting the need for voters to research the candidates and make an informed decision in this important primary election.