La Shawn Ford wins Dem primary to succeed Illinois Rep. Danny Davis

CHICAGO — Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford won a crowded and contentious Democratic primary Tuesday to succeed longtime Rep. Danny Davis, who backed him as his successor.

The primary battle drew national attention and a flood of outside spending as 13 candidates sought the Democratic nomination following Davis’ retirement announcement. The contest became increasingly hostile in its final weeks with the involvement of five outside political action committees, including a group affiliated...