Davis seeks Another Term in Congress, Ending Retirement Rumors

Norman Parish | As of Friday, September 11, 2015

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis(Dist.-7th) , surrounded by supporters, announces he is running for reelection at a center on Chicago's West Side.
U.S. Rep. Danny Davis(Dist.-7th) , surrounded by supporters, announces he is running for reelection at a center on Chicago's West Side. Photo by Norman Parish.

On the same day U.S. Rep. Danny Davis turned age 74, he shut down retirement rumors by announcing he is seeking another term for his 7th District seat in Illinois.

“Now, I know there have been people who have been wondering, and I don’t know why but people have been suggesting that I may not run for re-election,” said Davis to a crowd of supporters Sunday at the Sankofa Cultural Arts and Business Center, 5820 W. Chicago Ave. in Chicago. “And I don’t know what that has been all about.”

In fact, Davis, who was elected to the House in 1996, said the person who should represent the district should be a seasoned veteran.

“Our country and our world is in such dire straits right now,” Davis said. “I am totally convinced that we need as much seasoned leadership as we can get. . . Some of the individuals I heard talking about they would like to run for office – I welcome them to run. But I also welcome them to learn and learn what this business is really all about. It is not about status. It is not about getting patted on the back. It is not about somebody saying hey, ‘what a great jolly good fellow you are.’ It is much more.”

“It is as serious as cancer,” Davis added. “Our jobs have dissipated. They have gone every place except where they need to be – right here in America, so that people can work and have the opportunity to care for themselves and their families.”

Davis said billions of federal dollars have been funneled into his district since he has been elected.

Davis serves on the House’s Ways and Means committee and on Oversight and Government Reform.

Davis, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, was a Cook County, Ill. commissioner from 1990 to 1996. He also was an alderman for 12 years in the 29th Ward.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Learning To Live Life Correctly By Knowing Your Blood Type