Richard Boykin was born in Jackson, Mississippi and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. He attended Chicago Vocational High School and accepted an athletic scholarship to Central State University in Ohio, graduating Magna Cum Laude before earning a law degree from the University of Dayton. After spending year as a Chicago Public School teacher, Richard worked as a Congressional Black Caucus fellow for former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun and served as an LBJ intern for U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush on education issues.

Richard served as chief of staff and legislative director to U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis from 1997 to 2006, where he was responsible for a staff of 22 professionals and was Rep. Davis’s liaison to federal, state, county and city officials. In addition, Richard has worked with the members and staff of the Congressional Black Caucus on multiple issues. In August 2011, while a Partner at the law firm Barnes & Thornburg, Richard was appointed to the Business Enterprise Council by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a long-time 7th Congressional Resident.

In 2014, Richard was elected to represent the 1st District of Cook County, comprised of the West Side of Chicago and the near West Cook Suburbs. As Commissioner, Richard doggedly pursued practical measures at the County level to reduce gun violence. He partnered with the Cook County Sheriff, local police chiefs and members of the community to find and implement a range of solutions, including investments in restorative justice and mental health. 

As 1st District Commissioner, Richard worked tirelessly to bring resources back to the First District. He forged partnerships between community groups and government entities resulting in over $42 million in county funds being invested in the First District.  He strengthened relationships between business owners, corporations and the community to create job training programs and scholarships.

Richard also stood up repeatedly against corruption, advocating for greater transparency and integrity at all levels of government. Richard demanded a Department of Justice investigation into allegations of human and civil rights violations at the Homan Square Police site.  In 2015, Richard passed an ordinance that banned county law enforcement officials from using chokeholds.

Presently, Richard represents clients in civil matters and advocates for their interests before federal legislative and executive agencies in Washington, D.C. Richard has direct experience pertaining to appropriations, postal, healthcare, education, telecommunications and municipal advocacy, as well as navigating the major committees such as Oversight and Government Reform, Judiciary, Financial Services, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce.

Having spent decades developing relationships at all levels of government, Richard will know how to secure federal dollars and programs for the 7th District from the moment he is elected to Congress. He will be a worthy, passionate, and vigorous successor to Congressman Davis