La Shawn Ford wins Dem primary to succeed Illinois Rep. Danny Davis

CHICAGO — Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford won a crowded and contentious Democratic primary Tuesday to succeed longtime Rep. Danny Davis, who backed him as his successor.

The primary battle drew national attention and a flood of outside spending as 13 candidates sought the Democratic nomination following Davis’ retirement announcement. The contest became increasingly hostile in its final weeks with the involvement of five outside political action committees, including a group affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the crypto-funded super PAC Fairshake.

The crypto group spent nearly $2.5 million against Ford, targeting him for backing state legislation that puts restrictions on the industry. Ford, who said the TV ads and mailers spread misinformation about him, sent Fairshake a cease and desist letter a week before the primary.

Davis knocked on doors, rallied supporters and circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter to members of the Congressional Black Caucus on behalf of Ford.

The historically Black seat in the state’s 7th district represents racially and economically diverse communities, from downtown Chicago to areas of the city’s South and West sides and then west to suburban communities.

Ford, a state legislator who ran for Chicago mayor in 2019, currently represents the city’s Austin neighborhood and nearby suburbs. On the campaign trail, he told voters he would continue Davis’ legacy and work to seek federal funding to boost health services and college test-prep programs in the district.

Other candidates in the race included City of Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin — the AIPAC-aligned group’s preferred candidate — real estate executive Jason Friedman, emergency room physician Thomas Fisher, labor leader Anthony Driver Jr., former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin and progressive activist Kina Collins.