RB

Richard Boykin

DemocraticU.S. House (IL-07)
↗ Campaign site↗ FEC filing (H6IL07370)

Raised

$383,000

THE JACKET

Who funds Richard Boykin?

$383,000

Source: https://www.fec.gov/data/elections/house/IL/07/

No donor breakdown available yet.

This candidate has limited public financial disclosure. Check FEC.gov or IllinoisSunshine.org for filing details.

Bio

Richard Boykin is listed as a Democratic candidate in the 2026 IL-07 open-seat primary. He previously served on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. (Source: Shaw Local candidate list, March 5, 2026: https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/2026/03/05/illinois-primary-ballot-heres-whos-running-in-the-march-17-election/) Boykin served as chief of staff to Rep. Danny K. Davis (1997–2006) before winning Cook County Commissioner District 1 in 2014. He lost reelection in 2018 to Brandon Johnson's predecessor. He received a J.D. from the University of Dayton and a B.A. from Central State University. He ran for Cook County Board President in 2018, losing to Toni Preckwinkle. Currently lives in Oak Park, IL.

Prior office: Former Cook County Commissioner

Key Votes

  • No (led repeal effort)Cook County Sweetened Beverage Tax ("Soda Tax")

    Boykin was the first Democrat to oppose the Cook County sweetened beverage tax in 2016, then led the Board to repeal it in 2017 over President Toni Preckwinkle's objections.

  • Yes (initiated)Mental Health Funding Referendum (Nov 2014)

    Boykin led the initiative to place a county-wide referendum on expanded mental health treatment funding on the November 2014 ballot. The referendum passed with over 1.4 million votes.