LaShawn Ford projected to win Democratic nomination for retiring Congressman Danny Davis’ seat

LaShawn Ford is expected to win the Democratic nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press.

No fewer than 13 Democrats were vying for the nomination for a seat held for 30 years by outgoing MP Danny Davis.

ABC7 Chicago is now broadcast 24/7. Click here to watch

One of these candidates, State Representative Ford, had Davis’ support. But on Tuesday morning, at his West Side polling place, he encountered some voting problems.

Ford says he registered just fine, but when he entered the card he was given into the electronic voting machine, it indicated he had already voted. It took nearly an hour, he said, to unravel what appeared to be a computer mix-up, and the Board of Elections confirmed its legal team was involved.

Ford ultimately voted with a paper ballot after refusing a provisional ballot.

“I was fortunate enough to be able to move things and stay there and protect my vote, because imagine if someone else who had to go to the office or go to work or have other tasks to do couldn’t stay for an hour,” Ford said.

Also among the field of candidates was Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, who was endorsed by the Chicago Teachers Union.

Community organizer Kina Collins made her fourth bid for the nomination.

Real estate developer Jason Friedman raised $2.5 million, the largest amount in the race and more than triple that of his closest competitor.

Anthony Driver, Richard Boykin and Dr. Thomas Fisher were also among the candidates.

The 7th Congressional District includes parts of downtown, parts of the city’s South and West sides, and parts of the western suburbs.

On the Republican side of the race, Chad Koppie and Patricia Easley faced off. The Associated Press predicts Koppie will win the Republican primary.

Click here for live election updates.