Biography
Danny K. Davis was chosen by the people of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois as their Representative in Congress on November 5, 1996. He has been re-elected by large majorities to succeeding Congresses.
In the 118th Congress, Representative Davis has been reappointed to the Committee on Ways and Means and is the Subcommittee Ranking Member of the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee. Davis also serves on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. Congressman Davis is a member of several Congressional Caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Congressional Equity Caucus, the Urban Caucus, the Community Health Center's Caucus, the Congressional Sugar Caucus, the Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys, and Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Re-entry.
Congressman Davis has distinguished himself as an articulate voice for his constituents and an effective legislator able to move major bills to passage. He has developed a unique and energetic communication style and interaction with his constituents, setting up dozens of advisory task forces to consider significant public policy questions. He hosts several weekly television and radio shows that feature audience calls and produces regular written reports to every household in the district. In addition, he maintains weekly office hours in the district and is widely sought after as a speaker at conferences and events.
In the 118th Congress, Representative Davis is resolutely committed to preserving our democracy, protecting social security, maintaining our nation’s gains in civil and human rights, women’s rights, voting rights, protection of the environment, consumer and labor protections, reducing inequality, and ensuring quality, affordable health care for all, while maintaining his long time focus on issues of job creation, poverty, health care, education, youth, and criminal justice reform.
Prior to his election to Congress, he served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, having been elected in November 1990 and reelected in November 1994. Previously, he served for eleven years as a member of the Chicago City Council as Alderman of the 29th Ward.
Before seeking public office, Congressman Davis had productive careers as an educator, community organizer, health planner/administrator, and civil rights advocate. He has received hundreds of awards and citations for outstanding work in the areas of health, education, human relations, politics, and advocacy, including six honorary Doctorate Degrees from well known Colleges and Universities. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and has spent time in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and in South and Central America.
Born in Parkdale, Arkansas, on September 6, 1941, Congressman Davis moved to the Westside of Chicago in 1961, after having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arkansas A.M. & N. College. He subsequently earned both Master's and Doctorate degrees respectively from Chicago State University and the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He is married to Vera G. Davis, has two sons, Jonathan and Stacey (deceased), and is a member and Deacon of the New Galilee M.B. Church.
Members of the House are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing the interests of their constituents, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Key powers include drafting bills, serving on committees, approving the federal budget, and voting on matters of national policy, including declarations of war and presidential impeachments.