Danny Davis (Illinois politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Danny Davis
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 7th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 1997
Preceded by	Cardiss Collins
Member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners
In office December 20, 1990 – January 3, 1997
Preceded by	multi–member district
Succeeded by	Darlena Williams-Burnett
Constituency	1st district (1994–1997) Chicago at-large (1990–1994)
Member of the Chicago City Council from the 29th Ward
In office April 16, 1979 – December 20, 1990
Preceded by	Leroy Cross
Succeeded by	Sam Burrell
Personal details
Born	(1941-09-06) September 6, 1941 (age 83) Parkdale, Arkansas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Other political affiliations	Democratic Socialists of America (formerly)
Spouse	Vera Davis ​ (m. 1974)​
Children	2
Education	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (BA) Chicago State University (MS) Union Institute and University (PhD)
Website	House website

Daniel K. Davis (born September 6, 1941) is an American politician who is the U.S. representative from Illinois's 7th congressional district, elected in 1996. The district serves much of western Chicago, including the Loop. It also includes several of Chicago's inner western suburbs, such as Bellwood, Oak Park, and River Forest. Davis is a Democrat, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

Early life, education, and career

Davis was born in Parkdale, Arkansas, and educated at Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; B.A. in history, 1961), Chicago State University (M.S. in guidance, 1968), and the Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, Ohio (Ph.D. in public administration, 1977).

Davis worked as a government clerk, a high school teacher, executive director of the Greater Lawndale Conservation Commission, director of training at the Martin L. King Neighborhood Health Center, and executive director of the Westside Health Center before entering politics. He represented Chicago's 29th Ward on the Chicago City Council from 1979 to 1990.

Davis challenged U.S. Representative Cardiss Collins in Democratic primaries in 1984 and 1986, but lost both races. In 1990, he unsuccessfully challenged incumbent Edward J. Rosewell for the Democratic nomination for Cook County Treasurer. Also in 1990, Davis was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners, serving from 1990 to 1996 before entering the House. Davis had also waged an unsuccessful campaign against Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley in the 1991 Democratic mayoral primary.

Cook County Board of Commissioners

Davis was elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners from Chicago at-large in 1990. When the board transitioned to district elections in 1994, he was elected to its 1st district.

Entering Congress in 1997, Davis left the Cook County Board of Commissioners. He desired to see Illinois State Senator Earlean Collins appointed his successor on the board, but party leaders instead chose Darlena Williams-Burnett, executive assistant of Jesse White and the wife of alderman Walter Burnett Jr. Collins challenged and unseated Williams-Burnett in the Democratic primary for the seat in 1998.

U.S. House of Representatives

Davis expressed interest in replacing John Stroger on the ballot in the 2006 race for President of the Cook County Board. Stroger's son Todd Stroger was ultimately selected.

In late 2008, Davis expressed interest in being President Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate before Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's scandal erupted. In a December 31, 2008, New York Times article, Davis said that he turned down an offer from Blagojevich's representatives to appoint him to the Senate. Instead, Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris.

Davis ran for mayor of Chicago a second time in 2011, but withdrew before the election and endorsed Carol Moseley Braun.

In the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Davis endorsed Kamala Harris. He later endorsed Joe Biden ahead of the Iowa caucus.

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:

• Committee on Ways and Means
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Work and Welfare (Chair)

Party leadership and caucus membership

• Chair of the Congressional Postal Caucus
• Regional Whip
• Congressional Arts Caucus
• Medicare for All Caucus

Political positions

Davis voted to provide Israel with support following 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

Davis voted with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time in the 117th Congress, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.

Electoral history

Personal life

Davis during the
110th Congress

Davis is married to Vera G. Davis. They have two children. Davis is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He is notable for his support of the National Federation of the Blind. He spoke at their 2004 and 2005 conventions.

Davis is a Baptist.

See also

• List of African-American United States representatives