BEVERLY — Former state Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) thanked constituents Tuesday in a press release formally announcing her retirement.
"Words would never be enough to express how the valuable relationships that I have developed with many of my constituents helped to keep me in office for 29 years," Davis said in the written release.
Davis, 80, filed the necessary paperwork with the clerk's office of the Illinois House of Representatives Dec. 23. The document officially was received Jan. 3 and says Davis' resignation was effective Dec. 30.
Justin Slaughter, a lifelong Washington Heights resident, was tapped Jan. 5 to replace Davis. He was chosen based on a weighted vote among the Democratic committeemen serving within the 27th District, which includes Ald. Carrie Austin (34th) and Ald. Howard Brookins (21st).
Slaughter works as a legislative coordinator for Cook County. He previously held positions with the county's Bureau of Administration and as a director for Cook County Board Commissioner Stanley Moore (4th).
The 27th District includes parts of Beverly, Chatham, Morgan Park, Roseland, Washington Heights and West Pullman. The district also includes all or portions of several south suburbs, namely Alsip, Blue Island, Crestwood, Orland Park and Palos Heights.
Davis ran unopposed in the general election Nov. 8. Members of the Illinois House serve two-year terms. Slaughter filed to run against Davis in the March primary but withdrew.
A Morgan Park resident and a mother of two, Davis worked as a Chicago Public Schools teacher for 18 years and later as a CPS administrator before entering a career in politics. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Chicago State University.
Davis replied to a request for comment late Monday evening.
"I am very grateful that I had an opportunity to work for those wonderful voters. I am very grateful that I had those commissioners to work with me and all of those who helped to make sure things happened successfully for our district," Davis said.
You can read her full press release below:
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