Rep. Danny Davis wins Democratic primary; will face off with Republican Craig Cameron in 7th Congressional district

Pioneer Press Newspapers (Chicago, IL)

Mar. 19--After a convincing win in Tuesday's primary election, U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis, a Democrat, said he is seeking to help residents in the 7th District deal with the country's current challenges before focusing on November's election.

Davis, who was challenged in the Democratic primary by Oak Park and River Forest High School teacher Anthony Clark, violence prevention and healthcare advocate Kina Collins and attorney Kristine Schanbacher, took in more than half of the votes cast, according to unofficial results provided by the Cook County Clerk.

Davis will face Republican Craig Cameron on the November ballot. Cameron, who ran unopposed, took in 1,229 votes, according to unofficial results provided by the Cook County Clerk.

A message left with Cameron was not immediately returned.

"I want to say thanks to the voters who know my record, they know my commitment and know the work that I have done," Davis said. "The country is in difficult straits right now. We have some very challenging times and I think people wanted to have somebody there representing them with experience, knowledge and understanding of processes and procedures, and someone who will be effective."

With 116 of 118 precincts reporting Wednesday afternoon, Davis led with 18,536 votes. Clark came in second with 6,513 while Collins (6,298) and Schanbacher (4,523) finished third and fourth, respectively.

While his focus shifts to the November election, Davis said his near-term goals include assisting the district during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Davis said the COVID-19 legislative bill already passed by the House of Representatives needs to be approved by the Senate and President Trump.

"I think that's showing a lack of leadership and inconsiderate thought," Davis said. "We have to keep working and negotiating and raising the issue. Fortunately, we have leadership at our state, city and county levels moving as rapidly as they can."

Additionally, Davis said he hopes Congress will focus on measures to stop the COVID-19 spread and stabilize the economy.

"These are tough challenges at the moment and those are the things I'm attempting to deal with," Davis said.

Schanbacher said she was disappointed the election was not postponed over the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the decision "dangerous" to everyone's health, adding a lack of trained election judges led to "confusion and chaos" at local polling places.

"I sincerely hope that our COVID-19 infection rates don't skyrocket after yesterday," Schanbacher said. "Overall, we need to do much better at communicating to the public when elections are being held, what is being voted on, how to get registered and where one can vote."

Schanbacher said she intends to remain politically involved in the area.

"I will keep fighting for reproductive rights, criminal justice reform, immigration reform and expanding SNAP benefits," she said.

Messages left with Clark and Collins were not immediately returned.

sschering@pioneerlocal.com

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