Danny Davis (IL-7)

Biography

Danny K. Davis is a Democrat who has represented Illinois's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1997. The district covers much of western Chicago, including the Loop, and suburbs like Bellwood, Oak Park, and River Forest. A member of the Congressional Black Caucus and formerly the Democratic Socialists of America, Davis is known for progressive advocacy on criminal justice reform, job creation, poverty reduction, education, health care, and civil rights. Notable achievements include passing the Second Chance Act for ex-offender reentry, quadrupling funding for the Access to Jobs Program, and co-authoring the American Community Renewal Act and New Markets Initiative. He serves on the Ways and Means Committee, co-chairs the Community Health Centers Caucus and Congressional Sugar Caucus, and has held leadership roles in the Progressive, Labor, and Urban Caucuses.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas AM&N College before moving to Chicago's West Side in 1961.
• Early Career: Worked as an educator, community organizer, health planner/administrator, and civil rights advocate.
• Political Roles:
  • Chicago City Council Alderman , 1979–1990.
  • Cook County Board of Commissioners, 1990–1996.
  • U.S. House , elected 1996, serving since 1997 .