Denny Davis announced his candidacy after 15 terms in Congress

• Denny Davis announced his candidacy after 15 terms in Congress.
• Davis's candidacy creates a uniqueness in the political landscape of Illinois.
• Davis supported La Shona Ford as his potential successor.

Chicago — Congressman Denny Davis announced on Thursday that he will not seek re-election after 15 terms in office. This decision marks one example of the departure of long-standing Democrats in Illinois.

Davis, 83, is a member of the influential House Appropriations Committee. He was first elected in 1996 and represents a solidly Democratic district, which includes the central part of Chicago, large areas of the South and West sides of the city, as well as suburban areas.

"We are not disappearing," said Davis, surrounded by friends, local pastors, and colleagues in Congress during a press conference in Garfield Park. "But the time has come."

Davis's candidacy adds to the already unique situation in the Illinois Congress in 2026, where there are currently four vacant seats. This announcement occurred just a month after Davis was confirmed as a candidate for Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Senator Dick Durbin, who also do not plan to run for re-election in 2026.

Davis has spent many years lightly navigating re-election, utilizing the weight of an established senior politician. He is known for his deep voice and has remained prominent in his district, where many people live at low-income levels. However, his last two primary elections were contentious, as they raised questions about his age and the district's needs.

Davis, one of the most liberal members of Congress and a participant in the Congressional Black Caucus, has made racial equality a central issue in his political career. He participated in the 2016 sit-in protest demanding a vote on gun control. His advocacy for human rights became personal when his 15-year-old son was shot in Chicago.

After announcing his candidacy, Davis supported La Shona Ford, a former state legislator, as his potential successor, calling her "young, energetic, super ready."

Tags: USA/Politics