La Shawn Ford

At our recent Gen Z rally, I heard directly from young people about the challenges facing their generation: affordable housing, healthcare, mental health, homelessness, and concerns about federal legislation. These are serious issues that affect their lives, their families, and their future. I appreciate the...

Noble Madden shares an important message about the power of voting and the role each of us plays in shaping our communities. The issues we face every day, from the cost of living and healthcare to education, jobs, and the future of our neighborhoods, affect how we live and the opportunities available to our...

Illinois State Representative and Democratic congressional nominee La Shawn Ford returns to The Cole Memo to discuss the future of cannabis policy in Illinois. Following the passage of major cannabis reforms earlier this year, Ford shares his thoughts on the legislation, his disappointment with the state's approach...

I was glad to join today's Food Justice Panel in Chicago for an important conversation about SNAP, immigrant communities, and how we build a stronger, more equitable Illinois. Food security is about more than putting food on the table. It's about the ability of families to meet their basic needs, the health of our...

Richard Chew is joined by Illinois State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. The interview focused on Ford’s campaign priorities for Congress and the policies he says Democrats should pursue. Here are a few key points from the conversation:- Ford argued that Democrats...

LET'S ROCK THE VOTE IN THE WEST SIDE A community event featuring voter registration, music, refreshments, volunteer information, and a speaking program. Sunday, October 11 | 2–4 PM Austin, Chicago Join Democratic nominee for Congress La Shawn K. Ford, Alderman Emma Mitts, and Alderman Monique Scott, together with...

AFFORDABILITY STARTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES. Saturday morning at the barbershop, talking about the economy with two of Chicago’s finest barbers, Roy and Herb. Their point was simple: when people have more money in their pockets, they can support the businesses in their neighborhoods. And when those businesses are doing...

WHAT DO YOUNG PEOPLE THINK? Jeremy didn’t need a lot of words to make his point about AI. “It makes work a lot easier.” But then came the other side of it: “It’s taking jobs.” That tension is worth listening to. Young people entering the workforce are watching AI change how work gets done while also asking what...

I always want to listen, especially to the men and women who have served our country. Today I spoke with Greg, a veteran and former Navy pilot, about what life is really like for sailors at sea and the level of stress and readiness that comes with deployment. He spoke from experience, including his responsibility as...

HAPPY LABOR DAY America Is Stronger Because of Organized Labor Organized labor should be celebrated, protected, and uplifted, not only on Labor Day but every day. America is a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation because generations of workers had the courage to organize and demand dignity, fairness,...

Joan Esposito is joined by Illinois Democratic State Rep. La Shawn Ford, candidate for Congress in the 7th District of Illinois. He discussed his expected transition to Congress, policy priorities, and campaign efforts ahead of the November election. Key points- Ford plans to pursue Medicare for all,...

LEARN • GROW • LEAD To every parent, student, teacher, and school employee in Illinois' 7th Congressional District: A new school year is more than the first day of class. It's a fresh opportunity to learn, grow, and build the future you want for yourself. Parents, your encouragement makes a difference. Help your...

LEARN • GROW • LEAD To every parent, student, teacher, and school employee in Illinois' 7th Congressional District: A new school year is more than the first day of class. It's a fresh opportunity to learn, grow, and build the future you want for yourself. Parents, your encouragement makes a difference. Help your...

Who controls Congress matters. Every two years, Americans elect all 435 members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the United States Senate. Those elections determine which party holds the majority. The majority decides which bills move forward, who chairs congressional committees, what receives...

Healthcare should never be a political bargaining chip. I believe every family deserves access to quality, affordable care, no matter their income, age, or circumstances. That means protecting Medicare and Medicaid. It means lowering prescription drug costs and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. And it means putting...

Working families pay their taxes every single day. Teachers. Firefighters. Nurses. Small business owners. So why do billionaires continue to receive special tax breaks? Trump and Republicans in Washington want to keep those tax breaks in place. I’ll fight to end them. It’s time to put working families first. It’s...

Every administration makes choices. Every member of Congress sets priorities. While Republicans in Washington spends time debating some issues, families across Illinois’ 7th Congressional District are thinking about the cost of housing, healthcare, groceries, good-paying jobs, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities...

After failing to become law as a standalone bill, President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Republican leaders are pursuing new ways to move it through Congress, including attaching parts of it to broader spending legislation. This bill will make voter registration more difficult for millions of...

During a recent House hearing, Rep. Ro Khanna joined fellow House Democrats in questioning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the economic impact of the conflict with Iran, including what it could mean for taxpayer spending, fuel prices, food costs, and the overall cost of living. Asking tough questions is one of...

Scammers often pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or another government agency. Their goal is to frighten you into sharing personal information or sending money. Remember: ✅ Never give out your Social Security number or banking information to an unexpected caller. ✅ Hang up if someone pressures...