State Rep. La Shawn Ford will bring his congressional campaign to Oak Park on Saturday, July 11, when he addresses the Democratic Party of Oak Park's Second Saturday meeting at 6941 W. North Ave.

Ford, who has represented Illinois' 8th State House District since 2007, is the Democratic nominee for the 7th Congressional District seat being vacated by retiring Rep. Danny Davis. The 7th District covers parts of Chicago's Loop, the West Side, and western suburbs including portions of Oak Park. Ford's 8th State House District includes part of south Oak Park.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and conversation. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public.

Ford won the Democratic primary on March 17, defeating Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. He secured 24% of the vote to Conyears-Ervin's 20% when the Associated Press called the race, according to Axios. The contest drew heavy outside spending, with $1.7 million in attack ads from the crypto-linked Fairshake PAC targeting Ford and $2.2 million in AIPAC-linked ads backing his opponent.

Davis, who held the seat for three decades, endorsed Ford when he announced his retirement in summer 2025, according to Axios. In November, Ford will face Republican Chad Koppie.

The Democratic Party of Oak Park, led by State Sen. Don Harmon, said in its event announcement that it is "excited to welcome" Ford as the guest speaker. No specific agenda beyond Ford's appearance has been published.

After the meeting

The Young Democrats of Oak Park will gather around 11:30 a.m. in the community room following the main meeting. The group invites high school students, college students, and young adults interested in political involvement.

The party is also accepting volunteers for its Farmers' Market Team and running a yard sign design contest.

Other upcoming events

Additional activities on the party's calendar include a canvassing kickoff to Wisconsin on Saturday, July 25, in collaboration with Operation Swing State, a book club meeting on Tuesday, July 28, and an annual fundraiser at FitzGerald's Nightclub on Wednesday, August 26.