Illinois 7th Voter Guide
Illinois' primary is between now and March 17. In the 7th Congressional District, there are fourteen candidates in the Democratic Primary! This website provides information about the ten candidates who have raised at least $100,000 according to their FEC filings.
This guide does not endorse any one candidate. It is intended to be neutral and as objective as possible. Our goal is to help voters who are not following the campaign in detail to select the candidate who is right for them.
Danny Davis - who is retiring - has represented the 7th district for nearly thirty years. The person who wins this primary is assured to win the general election in November since this is a safe Democratic seat. The winner may lead us for decades. It's worth doing your homework and making your way to your polling station by March 17.
How do I know who to support?
Quick Decision Helper
Which statements sound most like you?
1. What do you want most from a member of Congress?
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A. Big, bold change—even if it means challenging party leadership
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B. Progressive values with a focus on getting things passed
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C. Experience, stability, and effective governance
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D. Practical solutions without ideological fights
2. How do you feel about political movements and protests?
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A. They’re essential to making real change
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B. Important, but governing matters more
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C. I prefer results over activism
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D. I’d rather keep politics calm and pragmatic
3. Which issues feel most urgent right now?
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A. Corporate power, inequality, and U.S. foreign policy
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B. Healthcare, labor rights, and housing
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C. Affordability, public safety, and local services
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D. Jobs, economic growth, and incremental reform
If you mostly chose one letter, that might suggest your preferred lane:
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A → You may gravitate toward movement-oriented progressive candidates
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B → You may prefer policy-focused progressives
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C → You may align with experienced governing Democrats
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D → You may prefer a centrist, pragmatic Democrat
Scroll down to see which candidates fit each lane.
How the Candidates Break Down
Instead of comparing 10 people one by one, this guide groups candidates into four broad ideological lanes. All are Democrats, but they differ in how they approach power, change, and governing.
If you don’t care about the details, just find the lane that sounds most like you. If you would like more detail, see the red buttons that link to additional information at the bottom of this page.
Candidate Summary by Ideological Lane
Movement Oriented Progressives
Emphasize structural change, corporate power, and movement politics
Candidate
Background Snapshot
What They Emphasize
Anabel Mendoza
Immigration movement leader (United We Dream)
Immigration justice, universal healthcare, housing, strong critiques of U.S. foreign policy
Reed Showalter
Biden White House, FTC, congressional staff
Anti-corporate reforms, Medicare for All, wealth taxes, rejecting AIPAC & corporate PACs
Kina Collins
Community organizer, repeat congressional candidate
Medicare for All, climate justice, housing, reparations, people-over-profits framing
Policy Focused Progressives
Emphasize governing, labor, and policy execution
Candidate
Background Snapshot
What They Emphasize
Thomas Fisher
Universal healthcare, housing reform, gun safety, evidence-based policy
Labor rights, universal healthcare, democracy reform, gun violence prevention
SEIU labor leader, public safety commissioner
Anthony Driver
ER doctor, former White House Fellow
Governing Democrats
Experienced local officials focused on affordability, access, and delivering services
Candidate
Background Snapshot
What They Emphasize
La Shawn Ford
Illinois State Rep
Healthcare access, childcare, housing, voting rights, legislative experience
Melissa Conyears-Ervin
Chicago Treasurer, former State Rep
Lower costs, jobs, healthcare access, tax fairness, administrative competence
Candidate
Background Snapshot
What They Emphasize
Jason Friedman
Clinton White House alum, lawyer, real estate developer
Job creation, housing affordability, healthcare access, pragmatic governance
Richard Boykin
Former Cook County Commissioner, attorney
Cost-of-living relief, fighting regressive taxes, community-focused reform
Rory Hoskins
Mayor of Forest Park
ACA expansion, workforce training, housing, executive experience
Pragmatists
Emphasize jobs, stability, and incremental change.