Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Democratic State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. He has represented the 8th House District in Illinois since 2007 and is vying to replace retiring 15-term Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) in Congress. 

"He gave me the endorsement of a lifetime when he said it's an honor of a lifetime to endorse LaShawn for Congress of United States of America," Ford told WCPT, referring to Davis's July 31st West Side press conference where he announced his retirement and endorsed Ford. Davis called Ford “young, energetic, and super ready.”

Ford also discussed his efforts with the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force and his commitment to health care reform, particularly health insurance affordability. He stressed his accessibility and responsiveness to constituents and said he aims to continue Davis's legacy in protecting Social Security, Medicaid, and child welfare.

"I can assure him that the fight that he's had, I will bring it to Washington, with his support, and so he could continue to fight, and I'll be in Washington and I'll be fighting, and he'll be a great mentor, so that we can continue to protect the dignity of all Americans," Ford said.  

The Democratic primary is March 17.

Catch "Joan Esposito: Live, Local and Progressive" weekdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/live-local-progressive).

And find the Joan Esposito (Full Episodes) podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and Amazon.