>> Congressman Danny Davis, who has represented the state's 7th district for nearly 3 decades, says he will not seek a 16th term.

The veteran Democrat announced his decision this morning and has already thrown his support behind State Representative La Shawn Ford to fill his seat.

That represents downtown portions of the South side and several western suburbs.

Here's a little of what Davis had to say as he thanked his supporters.

>> Chicago.

>> done marvelous thing marvelous Yeah.

>> Yeah.

The road has not always been.

That yes.

But I tell you, I've had so much fun doing I would do it not I would hate to do it.

You know?

>> Davis's announcement adds to the list of open congressional races across Illinois are Matt Masterson joins us now with more.

Matt.

So as we just heard, Davis says he clearly loved his time representing the 7th district.

What did he say about his decision to to call time now?

Brandis Davis didn't come right out and say age, but that's clearly a big factor.

The 83 year-old is going to wrap up his 15th term in office.

>> When he completes this in 2027 before he leaves office, he spent more than half of his life in politics in a career that dates back to the 1970's.

He's a Chicago Alderperson.

He was a Cook County commissioner before joining Congress in 1996.

So at that age with that type of career, he's decided it's time to step away.

Also face several challengers during his last reelection campaign in 2024.

>> Came out ahead in But he was likely to face even more during the next campaign as well.

>> So as we mentioned, Davis has endorsed state Representative La Shawn Ford to replace him.

Does that automatically make for the frontrunner in what we expect to be a crowded race?

It's going to be a big help.

Davis's word obviously goes very far as evidenced by the fact that he was re-elected 14 times in that district.

Those constituents clearly.

>> Value his word and his endorsement very strongly.

So for it has been in state legislature since 2007, he clear clearly can stand his own credentials as well.

But Davis throwing his support behind, cannot hurt, but he will be alone in this field.

It is a very crowded field.

Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyers, Irvine.

She through her name into the rain today.

She finished second behind Davis in the Democratic primary for the seat back in 2024 businessman, Jason Friedman Forest Park, Mayor Hoskins, these or other candidates also join the race.

But now also the defense has stepped aside.

It's likely that even more candidates will come into this.

The race kicks off pretty quickly soon as he makes the announcement already seeing the for campaign signs at the event, the Davis just had.

>> Ok, so as we know, he is among a number of veteran Illinois politicians, including Senator Durbin and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, who are also choosing to go ahead and bring the curtain down on their careers right now.

Are we seeing a generational change in the Illinois delegation rates?

Pretty clear that it is.

These are 3 Congress, people who have all served since the 1990's.

They're all in their 80's and they're all stepping away at essentially the same time.

It's clearly a very stark.

>> Changed the face of Illinois politics and Congress.

These Congress people have talked about bringing in new leadership.

Davis talked about it today.

He called Shawn Ford.

We supporting Young and energetic 4 to 30 years younger than Davis.

He's 53.

So these are candidates who are running for the spots who really going to change the face.

Take over the face of Illinois politics going forward.

It is a stark change going forward.

should be fun to watch the campaign.

Of course, that election in 2026.

Matt Masterson, thanks so much for