Representative La Shawn Ford Contact information

La Shawn K. Ford (born 1971/1972) is an American politician who is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 8th District since 2007. Ford was a candidate for Mayor of Chicago in the 2019 election.

Early life, education, and career: Ford was born in Chicago’s Cabrini–Green housing project. He grew up in the Austin community of Chicago. His family moved to the Austin community when he was two years old. Ford never met his father. His mother was an unwed teen, and he was adopted by his grandmother at birth. Ford attended Lady Help of Christians Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Weber High School. Initially, after high school, Ford attended the Niles College Seminary at Loyola University in Chicago contemplating becoming a priest. Ford ultimately received a bachelor of arts in elementary education from Loyola, with a minor in political science. He played basketball while at Loyola. He also received a degree from University of Illinois at Chicago. Ford became a history teacher and basketball coach for Chicago Public Schools. Later he became a licensed Illinois real estate broker, and became the founder of Ford Desired Real Estate in 2001. He has served as a member of the Chicago and National Association of Realtors, board member of the Austin YMCA, board member of Circle Family Care, board member of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, founding organizer of Zawadi Youth Group, and member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Parish Council and Finance Committee. Ford worked as a Democratic precinct captain in the neighborhood where he grew up. Ford is a firm believer in the power of responsible parenting and helped grow the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood, which aims to support fathers and help them to become more responsible and present. He consistently advocates for increased access to financial resources and institutions for marginalized communities and promotes the value of education among students in his district.

Legislative career: Ford was first elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2007, defeating incumbent Calvin Giles in the Democratic primary and winning the General Election with 83% of the vote. Elected in 2007 to the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 8th District, Rep. Ford is an outspoken advocate for his constituents. Rep. Ford is focused on social justice and disparities in employment, education, and the healthcare system. He has also worked to increase opportunities for ex-offenders, foster small business development, improve access to affordable housing, expand protections for our veterans, safeguard our environment and address our state’s fiscal health.