CHICAGO -- The Chicago Teachers Union has thrown its support behind a nominee for Illinois’ Seventh Congressional District in the upcoming March primary election.
The Chicago Teachers Union has endorsed Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin for a seat to represent the city in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"On today we are so proud to announce that with all the hard work we’ve been dong with all of the support we’ve been receiving that we have the support of the Chicago Teachers Union," Conyears-Ervin said.
Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates released the following statement:
"As a union that is overwhelmingly made up of women who see the challenges families face every day, we believe it's time to send a working mom to Congress. That's why we're supporting Melissa Conyears-Ervin.
For too long now, Washington has failed to prioritize working families and our communities. If we are going to have equitable and sustainable investment in the neighborhoods that need it most, then we need leadership we can trust.
We are proud to endorse Melissa Conyears-Ervin in the 7th Congressional District. She's a working mother who has lived her entire life in this district and seen decades of failure to invest in Black and Brown neighborhoods firsthand. We know that she'll prioritize our public schools, affordable housing, lowering costs for working families, and making the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes.”
Stacy Davis Gates
Born and raised on the West Side, Conyears-Ervin says she wants to go to Washington to secure greater investments for the West Side.
"This is a very unique district. It includes the entire Loop of Chicago, a very affluent district, very affluent area," Conyears-Ervin said. "But it also includes the most underserved communities not only within our city but I would argue within our country."
To win, Conyears-Ervin will have to beat 14-term Congressman Danny Davis who’s made a series of recent stops highlighting investments he’s scored for the district.
With about five weeks left before Election Day, Conyears-Ervin is sharpening her attacks.
"Congressman Davis has been in office just about since I’ve been born. I’ve lived in the 7th Congressional District my entire life – the district, the West and South Sides of Chicago, I could not even argue to say they look the same unfortunately, they look worse," Conyears-Ervin said. "And it’s time for someone with new ideas that is relevant to the challenge that working families face today."
As Treasurer, Conyers-Ervin has faced controversy as the Board of Ethics found she violated the city’s ethics code by firing two staffers who alleged wrongdoing in the office.
In the March 19th primary, Congressman Davis faces off against Conyears-Ervin, as well as Nikhil Bhatia, Kouri Marshall, and Kina Collins, who lost to Davis by roughly 4,600 votes two years ago.
A CTU endorsement often comes with money and foot soldiers, something Conyears-Ervin will want to close out the campaign. But Congressman Davis maintains strong support, including the backing of Cook County Democratic Party boss Toni Preckwinkle and various influential state lawmakers.