Police called on Black Illinois congressional candidate while he was canvassing

CHICAGO - A state lawmaker and candidate for Congress said a constituent called police on him while he was canvassing for votes on Chicago’s North Side last week.

What we know:

State Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) said he was door-knocking in the Buena Park neighborhood on Friday, attempting to garner votes in the upcoming primary election, when a resident of a building called the police on him, according to a news release.

A state lawmaker and candidate for Congress said a constituent called police on him while he was canvassing for votes on Chicago’s North Side last week. (State Sen. Mike Simmons' Office)

Simmons is running for Congress in the 9th Congressional District.

He said he introduced himself to a woman in the residential building and explained he was a candidate for Congress and a current state lawmaker.

"The woman seemed not to believe Simmons and ultimately asked for everyone’s documentation. She then called the police and ignored all attempts at a conversation by Simmons and the volunteers with him – all people of color," according to Simmons’ campaign.

Simmons said he left the building on his own. Chicago police later reported to the scene a few minutes later and spoke to him about the incident.

Simmons has lived in the nearby Uptown neighborhood for 15 years and is the first Black person to represent the Far North Side of Chicago in the Illinois Senate, according to his campaign.