About the Candidate
Name: Danny K. Davis
DOB: Sept. 6, 1941
Occupation: Member of Congress
Political Experience: Alderman, 29th Ward, City of Chicago 1979-1990 Cook County Commissioner, 1st District 1990-1996 Representative in Congress, 7th District 1997-present Ward Committeeman, 29th Ward, City of Chicago 1984-2000 State Central Committeeman 7th District 1998 - present
Website: DannyKDavis.com
Twitter: @DannyKDavis7th
Candidate Statement
Hello. My name is Danny Davis. I represent the 7th Congressional District of Illinois.
My thanks to WTTW and the League of Women Voters for once again providing Candidate Free Time and encouraging citizen participation in our nation’s democracy.
Our nation has taken an ominous turn in these past three years.
If you are like me then you are OUTRAGED:
. . . by a President who abuses the power of his office to advance his own re-election and then attempts to cover up his actions
. . . by an administration who denies the reality of global climate change and slashes environmental protections
. . . by an administration who demagogues peace and recklessly engages in military adventurism
. . . by the continuing efforts to sabotage Obamacare, take basic health care from millions of our people
. . . by the $1.5 trillion tax cut where 80% goes to the wealthiest 1% while millions remain in poverty and African American unemployment remains at twice the rate of White unemployment
. . . by the ongoing attacks on women, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, workers, and the right to vote
. . . by lying to the American people and disparaging the media as “enemies of the people”
I have devoted my time in the Congress to fighting for fundamental change:
. . . making health care a right with Medicare-for-All
. . . addressing global climate change with a Green New Deal
. . . reversing growing economic inequality with a living wage, fair taxes and removing money from our elections.
Thank you.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running based on my record as a progressive, an advocate and voice for those whose voices are not adequately heard or represented in the Congress. I run based on my record of representing the interests of the people of the 7th Congressional District and confirmed by the overwhelming support I have received at the polls. I run having proudly and consistently stood for peace; for equality for African-Americans, Latinx Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans; social and economic justice; universal access to health care and education; voting rights, democracy and privacy; the rights of labor, women and LGBTQ persons; the protection of our environment and our planet; the rights and protection of children; the protection of the rights of the undocumented and a path to citizenship; the security and rights of seniors; for criminal justice reform and a second chance.
What is your vision for this office?
We live in a time of great peril and persistent pain: global climate change; a resurgence of the dangers of nuclear war; a resurgence of authoritarian regimes around the world; a poverty rate for African Americans of almost 21 percent compared to about (a still unacceptable) 8 percent for non-Hispanic Whites; tens of millions of our people under insured or without insurance for access to health care those numbers once again growing. We are faced with an administration pressing an agenda rolling back voting rights, reversing protections of the environment, repealing health care, weakening the right of labor to organize, generally undermining federal protections on a host of issues, consistently acting on behalf of the 1% to the detriment of the 99%, an administration which consistently lies to the American people and uses the Presidency for personal political advancement. At the same time there is a rising mass tide calling for, demanding change. I have been a life-long strong, consistent and effective advocate for such change and eagerly look forward to help lead our nation forward toward a more perfect democracy, full equality and justice.
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
We live in the wealthiest nation in history but one plagued by vast economic and social inequality. The differences between the 1% and the 99% has become a barrier to our social cohesion. A disproportionate share of 7th District residents are unemployed, and those who are employed are faced with stagnating wages and increasing costs of health care, college tuition and other basic needs. We have the opportunity to directly address those issues with programs such as Medicare-for-All, Green New Deal, universal college tuition and child care and a $15 minimum wage. These solutions offer an economically sound, sustainable response to these persistent issues while simultaneously strengthening our democracy by reducing inequality.
