Danny Davis (Illinois politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Danny Davis
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Official portrait, 2013
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 7th district |
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| Assumed office January 3, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Cardiss Collins |
| Member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners | |
| In office December 20, 1990 – January 3, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Multi–member district |
| Succeeded by | Darlena Williams-Burnett |
| Constituency | Chicago at-large (1990–1994) 1st district (1994–1997) |
| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 29th Ward |
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| In office April 16, 1979 – December 20, 1990 |
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| Preceded by | Leroy Cross |
| Succeeded by | Sam Burrell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Daniel Kendrick Davis
September 6, 1941 Parkdale, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Vera Davis
(m. 1974) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff (BA) Chicago State University (MS) Union Institute and University (PhD) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
Daniel Kendrick Davis (born September 6, 1941) is an American politician. He is a U.S. Representative for Illinois's 7th district. He was first elected in 1996. This district covers much of western Chicago, including the Loop. It also includes nearby suburbs like Bellwood, Oak Park, and River Forest. Davis is a member of the Democratic Party. He is also part of the Congressional Black Caucus.
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Early Life and Education
Danny Davis was born in Parkdale, Arkansas. He went to college at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College. This school is now called the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He earned a bachelor's degree in history in 1961.
Later, he studied at Chicago State University. There, he received a master's degree in guidance in 1968. He also earned a PhD in public administration from the Union Institute & University in 1977.
Early Career
Before becoming a politician, Davis worked in different jobs. He was a government clerk and a high school teacher. He also led community organizations. For example, he was the executive director of the Greater Lawndale Conservation Commission. He also directed training at the Martin L. King Neighborhood Health Center.
Local Politics
Davis began his political career in Chicago. He served on the Chicago City Council for the 29th Ward. He was a council member from 1979 to 1990.
He also served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. He was elected to this board in 1990. He served there until 1996, when he entered the U.S. House of Representatives.
When he left the Cook County Board, a new person was chosen to take his place. This person was Darlena Williams-Burnett.
U.S. House of Representatives
Danny Davis became a U.S. Representative in 1997. He represents the 7th congressional district of Illinois.
Elections
In 1995, Danny Davis announced he would run for Congress. Many other Democratic candidates also wanted the job. Davis was well-known in the area.
He ran on a platform that supported many progressive ideas. He supported gay rights and the ERA. He also supported single-payer health care and help for child nutrition.
Davis received support from several groups. These included the ACORN, AFL–CIO, and the Sierra Club. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters also supported him.
In March 1996, Davis won the Democratic primary election. He received more votes than his closest opponents combined. In the general election in November 1996, Davis won with over 82% of the votes. He defeated Republican Randy Borow and other candidates.
Time in Congress
Davis has served many terms in Congress. He has been involved in important political events.
In 2008, he was considered to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate. However, another person was chosen for that role.
He also ran for mayor of Chicago in 2011. He later withdrew from the race.
In the 2020 presidential primaries, Davis first supported Kamala Harris. He later supported Joe Biden.
Committee Work
For the 119th Congress, Davis is part of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means. This committee deals with taxes and other money matters.
- He is on the United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health.
- He is also the Ranking Member of the United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare. This means he is the lead member of his party on that subcommittee.
Group Memberships
Davis is a member of several important groups in Congress. These groups are called caucuses.
- Black Maternal Health Caucus
- Regional Whip
- Chair of the Congressional Postal Caucus
- Caucus on Re-Entry (Co-Chair)
- Afterschool Caucuses
- Community Health Center's Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys
- Congressional Coalition on Adoption
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Congressional Sugar Caucus
- Equity Caucus
- Medicare for All Caucus
- Urban Caucus
- Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans
Political Views
Davis has voted to support Israel. This was after the events of October 7, 2023.
According to an analysis by FiveThirtyEight, Davis voted with President Joe Biden's position 100% of the time in the 117th United States Congress. This shows he often agrees with the President's policies.
Personal Life
Danny Davis is married to Vera G. Davis. They have two children together. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He also supports the National Federation of the Blind. He has spoken at their conventions.
Davis is a Baptist.
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2013
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Signature of Danny K. Davis
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Davis during the 105th Congress
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Davis with President Barack Obama in January 2011
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Davis watches as President Obama signs an executive order on July 26, 2012
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Davis during the 110th Congress
