Who's In the Race

Democrat La Shawn Ford faces Republican Chad Koppie in the November 3 general election in Illinois's 7th District. Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) holds the seat and announced he would not seek reelection, retiring at the end of his term. ​

Ford is an Illinois state representative who has served Chicago's West Side and near-west suburbs since 2006, a former Chicago Public Schools teacher and coach, and a real-estate business owner with a record on criminal-justice reform including record sealing and expungement. Koppie is a U.S. Army veteran, retired jumbo-jet pilot, and lifelong farmer who has served on local boards, including the Kane County Regional Board of Education.

What They Stand For

Ford has proposed extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and opposing efforts to weaken the law, according to his campaign website. He's also supported opposing Medicaid cuts and work requirements, and protecting Medicaid expansion, defending traditional Medicare, strengthening oversight of Medicare Advantage plans and reducing seniors' out-of-pocket costs, raising federal wage standards and protecting workers' right to organize, with the stated standard that "full-time work should cover the basic cost of living"; and seeking federal investment in community health centers, behavioral-health providers and underserved-neighborhood pharmacies.

Koppie has argued that the national debt and deficit hinder economic growth, according to his campaign website. He also supports describing the federal government's primary role as protecting people's rights and liberties, arguing the Constitution gives the federal government no authority over public education, restoring and preserving the traditional family unit, and describing limited government as a fundamental constitutional principle.

The Money Behind the Race

Through June 30, La Shawn Ford had raised about $722,000 and had about $113,000 in cash on hand, while Chad Koppie had raised about $55,000 and had just $42 on hand, giving Ford a commanding financial edge. Ford carries about $175,000 in debt, roughly a quarter of his total receipts. FAIRSHAKE spent about $2.5 million opposing Ford.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

Every major handicapper rates this an easy Democratic hold. Cook Political Report rated the race "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 9; Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 11; and Inside Elections rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 2. Kalshi traders gave Democrats a 95.6% chance of winning as of Oct. 15, according to the Kalshi market.

The district's recent history reinforces that picture. In 2022, Danny Davis won the seat with about 100% of the vote. In 2024, Davis won again with about 83% of the vote. Illinois has leaned heavily Democratic in recent federal congressional cycles, with Democrats winning 14 of the state's 17 U.S. House seats in both 2022 and 2024. Democrat Kamala Harris carried Illinois in the 2024 presidential election with about 54% of the vote.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article