With over $1 million in donations, the top fundraiser in the race to fill U.S. Rep. Danny Davis’ downtown Chicago seat is real estate scion Jason Friedman.
Friedman brings both real estate and political experience to his campaign to represent Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, which includes perhaps the highest concentration of real estate value in the state. It’s unclear though, if Friedman will lean into his real estate background, which is barely mentioned in campaign materials.
Son of prolific investor Al Friedman, also known as the “Mayor of River North,” Jason Friedman served as president of his father’s company, Friedman Properties, for 18 years. The 55-year old firm is credited with transforming River North from a gritty industrial hub to the glittering mixed-use neighborhood it is today. Friedman stepped down from the position in 2023, presumably to launch his political career.
Friedman is entering a crowded field with eight other challengers, including Democratic heavy-hitter state Rep. La Shawn Ford. Ford has already been endorsed by Davis who, at 83-years-old, is stepping down from the seat at the end of his 15th term in January 2027. Because the district is considered safely Democratic, the winner of the March 17 primary will be strongly favored in the following November general election.
Whoever takes over the seat will step in at a crucial time for the district, which has been hammered by distress in the commercial real estate market following the pandemic. Chicago’s office vacancy rate began this year at 26.5 percent, the 11th consecutive quarter of record-high availability, according to CBRE.
But a new representative will also have to walk a fine line of representing influential commercial landlords and a diverse base of residents across the socioeconomic spectrum. The sprawling district not only includes downtown and Fulton Market, but also parts of the South Side and towns as far west as Oak Park and Proviso Township.
Friedman’s campaign website downplays his real estate bonafides in favor of highlighting his longtime involvement in politics. It does not mention his father, or Friedman Properties, by name.
The site leads with his experience volunteering and working for Democratic politicians including U.S. Rep. Paul Simon and U.S. Senators Carol Moseley Braun and Dick Durbin. He also worked as a domestic policy aide under President Bill Clinton.
Friedman’s campaign notes he has practiced real estate law and has experience “leading large organizations,” including the Jewish United Fund.
“Over the past twenty years, Jason has supported hundreds of businesses across the city and created thousands of good-paying jobs, including good-paying union jobs, right here in Chicago,” his website reads.
Top priorities listed on his website include addressing gun violence, supporting unions, improving education and creating job opportunities. He’s also positioned himself as a critic of President Donald Trump, expressing disdain for his efforts to dismantle The U.S. Department of Education and cut social services and consumer protections.
A news release from his campaign notes that all donations he has received from the first quarter “have been donated by community leaders and grassroots supporters from across the district, state, and country.”
It’s not clear what real estate-related policies Friedman plans to campaign on, if any.
The Chicago real estate industry has been at odds with city officials over the past few years, though less drama has played out between industry groups and politicians in Congress.
Lobbying groups led a successful campaign to defeat Mayor Brandon Johnson’s real estate transfer tax at the ballot box last year and have rallied against an anti-gentrification ordinance at city hall. They’ve also slammed Cook County assessor Fritz Kaegi for a perceived over-correction in shifting property tax burden from homeowners to commercial landlords.
Friedman Properties has navigated Chicago’s choppy political waters for decades, including under Jason Friedman’s leadership.
Over the company’s 55 years in the business, it has amassed a 5 million-square-foot commercial real estate portfolio, developed towers, and preserved architectural landmarks. Its properties span the retail, office, multifamily and hotel sectors.
Friedman’s plan to run was first reported by Politico.