Republican and Democratic Candidates Pack 7th District Congressional Forum In North Lawndale

At least 100 people packed the auditorium of Collins High School, 1313 S. Sacramento Dr. in North Lawndale, on Jan. 27 to hear from 12 of the 15 candidates running to succeed longtime U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District.

The forum featured 10 candidates competing in the Democratic primary and both candidates running in the Republican primary. Voters will head to the polls for the Illinois primary election on March 17, when party nominees will be selected ahead of the 2026 midterm election on Nov. 3.

Because the 7th District is one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the state, the March 17 Democratic primary is widely viewed as decisive, with the winner heavily favored to prevail in November. The race is expected to draw national attention as Democrats seek to defend their House seats amid a closely contested midterm election cycle.

Democratic candidates who attended included state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Jazmin J. Robinson, Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins, Reed Showalter, Anabel Mendoza, Anthony Driver Jr., Richard R. Boykin, Felix Tello, and Thomas Fisher.

The Republican candidates in attendance were Chad Koppie and Patricia “P Rae” Easley.

The Culture helped organize the forum in partnership with the Westside Branch NAACP, Austin Forward.Together’s Civic Engagement Committee, the South Austin Neighbor Association, and Westside Health Authority.

The forum was moderated by Remel Terry, president of the Westside Branch NAACP. A full recording of the event is available on the Westside Branch NAACP’s Facebook page here.