Congressman Danny K. Davis was elected to represent Illinois' 7th Congressional District on November 5, 1996, succeeding Congresswoman Cardis Collins (the 4th Black woman elected to Congress). He’s one of 4 CBC Members currently representing Illinois in the US House of Representatives, and one of 17 Black Members of the House ever elected from Illinois. On July 31, 2025, Rep. Danny K. Davis announced that he will not be seeking reelection in 2026, endorsing Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford in the race for his seat. On August 1, 2025, the CBC issued the following statement.
During his tenure Rep. Danny K. Davis has been the primary sponsor of 24 bills enacted into law, including the Second Chance Act of 2007 and the Predominantly Black Institution Act of 2007. So far, in the 119th Congress, Congressman Danny Davis has been the primary sponsor of 11 bills. Rep. Danny K. Davis serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, and as Ranking Member of the Work and Welfare and member of the Health subcommittees of that Committee.
In the interview below (from Sep. 18, 2025), Congressman Danny K. Davis looks back on what will be almost a half a century of public service at the time of his retirement, 30 in the US House and 17 in local offices. He speaks of growing up in Arkansas, the son of sharecroppers, of picking cotton, moving to Chicago at age 19, getting his doctorate and service in public office. He offers wisdom as to leadership and to organizing, also within Congress.
Some quotes from the interview:
What I discovered and I think what many activists discovered is that change is not easy to come about because people are often set in their ways. In order for democracy to exist, you have to make it exist.
Leadership is to get other people to do what you want them to do, but because they want to do it.
Organizing is a big part of being successful. If you don’t organize, you’re the pied piper perhaps. But you’re just pieing.
Faith gives you the perspective that change will come. Even faith says that you’ve got to protect yourself.
I’d like to be thought of as one who tried to advance humanity through politics and promote humaneness through the political process.
Congressman Danny K. Davis was interviewed by Steve Ordower, son Civil Rights activist and host of the Jubilee Showcase, Sid Ordower.
Writing this piece, I discovered that he hosts a TV show on Fridays at 6:30 PM CT on CAN TV Channel 21.
Press Conference from October 2, 2025 addressing the Broadview ICE facility and the shutdown.
This Week’s News from the CBC
(The House is still in recess — at least until Oct. 19)
Thursday (Oct 9):
Press Conferences:
Shutdown Messages:
Events:
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Millions of Americans will see their costs skyrocket if Republican leadership doesn't come to the table and work with Democrats to protect health care
I joined Keep Americans Covered this morning to talk about the impacts this crisis will have on our community.
youtube.com/shorts/19Pgs...
— Rep. Lucy McBath (@mcbath.house.gov) 2025-10-09T20:31:20.709Z
Media Appearances:
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Joined @alivitali.bsky.social on @waytooearly.bsky.social to share what I’m hearing from Rhode Islanders about the impacts of the House Republican health care crisis.
Families across #RI01 are trying to figure out how to afford $1200+ premium hikes while Republicans are on vacation.
— Congressman Gabe Amo (@amo.house.gov) 2025-10-09T21:03:56.855Z
Friday (Oct 10):
Press Conferences:
Events:
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This week, I’m kicking off a series of Protect Our Rights events across our community to share resources and hear your experiences and concerns with ICE and DHS under the Trump Administration.
The first stop is in Aurora this Friday, October 10th. RSVP here: bit.ly/communityfor...
— Rep. Lauren Underwood (@underwood.house.gov) 2025-10-09T19:21:53.752Z
Podcasts:
Media Appearances:
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The sham indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James is Trump’s attempt to weaponize the justice system against anyone who dares to hold him accountable. AG James has always led with integrity, upheld the law and defended the Constitution.
youtu.be/_QP2Z86T6SY
— Rep. Gregory Meeks (@meeks.house.gov) 2025-10-10T17:36:13.260Z
Saturday (Oct 11):
Weekly Wrap Ups:
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Sunday (Oct 12):
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Monday (Ost 13):
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Tuesday (Oct 14):
Press Conferences:
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My heart is with the federal workers who’ve been fired over the last few days because of Russ Vought’s reckless agenda. These public servants kept our government running, and they deserve better. Democrats are fighting back to protect their jobs, their health care, and the people they serve.
— Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) (@ivey.house.gov) 2025-10-14T18:35:11.615Z
Votes: The Senate rejected cloture on the motion to proceed with H.R. 5371 (continuing appropriations act that passed the House) (49/45/6). All Democrats voted Nay except for Duckworth and Fetterman who did not vote.
Some Shutdown Messages:
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Just landed back in Washington D.C.
Republicans have been on paid vacation for the last 4 weeks, and the government has been shut down for 14 days — yet they refuse to come back to work.
My offices will remain open in Colorado & DC — because we work for YOU!
— Rep. Joe Neguse (@neguse.house.gov) 2025-10-14T20:55:31.357Z
Town Halls:
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🚨TOWN HALL ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
I will be hosting a telephone town hall TOMORROW with special guest @aguilar.house.gov, Chair of @housedemocrats.bsky.social to talk about the Republican shutdown.
RSVP at the link below to receive a call to join at 5:30 PT ⬇️
forms.gle/heJCLv5Y8qWK...
— Rep. Janelle Bynum (@bynum.house.gov) 2025-10-14T00:57:22.591Z
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Last night, over 13,000 Oregonians joined my telephone town hall with @aguilar.house.gov to discuss the shutdown and Trump’s deployment of troops in Portland.
Thank you to everyone who brought thoughtful questions and shared their stories – we won’t stop fighting for you.
— Rep. Janelle Bynum (@bynum.house.gov) 2025-10-15T16:55:32.334Z
Podcasts:
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Wednesday (Oct 15):
Press Conferences:
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Today, I stood with my colleagues to condemn the Supreme Court case targeting the Voting Rights Act. This law was won through courage & sacrifice. Gutting the VRA puts our democracy & communities of color at risk and leaves millions of voices unheard.
— Rep. Gregory Meeks (@meeks.house.gov) 2025-10-15T21:51:49.532Z
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At today’s @cbc.house.gov press conference, I joined my colleagues to speak out on Louisiana v. Callais. This Supreme Court case could strip Black communities of fair representation and weaken the Voting Rights Act. We’re not backing down. The right to vote — and to be represented — is on the line.
— Congressman Glenn Ivey (MD-04) (@ivey.house.gov) 2025-10-15T21:02:52.695Z
Votes:
The Senate rejected on cloture on the motion to proceed to H.R. 5371 (the House’s continuing appropriations act) (51/44/5). All Democrats voted Nay except for Fetterman who voted Yea and Duckworth who did not vote. King also voted Yea.
House Democrats Hearings:
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Without Medicaid, Cynthia can’t afford her 10 necessary medications. She’s not alone.
Millions face higher costs as premiums double next year. @housedemocrats.bsky.social are working to stop this hike & end the Republican healthcare crisis. Watch today’s hearing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-l9...
— Congresswoman Robin Kelly (@robinkelly.house.gov) 2025-10-15T23:02:28.242Z
Shutdown Messages:
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Some House Republicans are breaking ranks — and it isn’t rocket science as to why:
Costs are up, rural hospitals are closing, and Speaker Johnson refuses to end week four of their vacation while the government remains shut down.
⬇️⬇️⬇️
— Rep. Joe Neguse (@neguse.house.gov) 2025-10-15T14:21:42.639Z
Reminder: CBC Roundup is a weekly series, published on Thursdays at 9 AM ET. Members of the CBC are on the frontlines of protecting our democracy and many are threatened by the R’s latest redistricting plans and pending Supreme Court rulings, so please share widely. For daily updates, please see my CBC comments in the Abbreviated Pundit Roundup.
