River North developer leads fundraising race for Davis' seat

A River North real estate developer has built a commanding fundraising advantage in the crowded Democratic primary to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, who announced he won’t seek reelection in 2026.

The early money race reflects the high stakes in what will be the first open seat contest in the heavily Democratic 7th Congressional District in decades. Davis has held the seat since 1997, representing a district that stretches from the West Side through parts of the Loop and into western suburbs.

Campaign finance reports show the developer raised more than $200,000 in the initial filing period, outpacing a field that includes several Chicago aldermen, state legislators, and community activists. The candidate’s donor base includes prominent figures from Chicago’s real estate and business communities.

“This is about bringing fresh leadership and new ideas to Washington while staying true to our Democratic values,” the developer said at a recent fundraiser in River North.

The fundraising lead comes as candidates begin positioning themselves for what political observers expect to be a competitive primary. The district includes parts of Austin, Garfield Park, and North Lawndale on the West Side, areas that have struggled with disinvestment and violence.

Several other candidates are mounting serious campaigns, including a West Side alderman who touts deep community roots and a state representative with backing from organized labor. Both have criticized the developer’s candidacy as disconnected from the district’s working-class base.

“We need someone who understands what it’s like to worry about paying rent or finding good schools for your kids,” the alderman said at a community forum in Austin last week.

Davis, 82, announced his retirement plans after serving 14 terms in Congress. He previously served as an alderman representing the 29th Ward before winning his congressional seat.

The primary election is still more than a year away, but early fundraising often signals which candidates have the organizational strength to compete in a crowded field. In heavily Democratic districts like the 7th, winning the primary typically guarantees victory in the general election.

Political consultants say the race will likely focus on economic development, public safety, and federal investment in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods. The winner will inherit Davis’ seats on key House committees and his influence in securing federal funding for local projects.