In 1989, Richard M. Daley had a long record of public service.

img: [Illinois State Senator Richard M. Daley (center) stands with his father, Mayor Richard J. Daley, to his left and Alderman Michael Bilandic to his right on a boat on Lake Michigan during a Chicago Park District fish derby, circa 1972-1976. Photo: Laszlo Kondor. Laszlo Kondor Photograph collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, MSLASZ13_0003_0004_039.]

He won his first election in 1969, for delegate to the Illinois Constitutional Convention (1969-1970).

img: [Voter's guide to the new constitution of Illinois, first page, 1970, Richard J. Daley collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RJD_02_01_0093_0001_001.]

In 1972, Daley won election as state senator. He served in that position from 1973 to 1980.

img: [Illinois State Senator Richard M. Daley stands with his brother, John. Photo: Laszlo Kondor. Laszlo Kondor Photograph collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, MSLASZ13_0002_0003_013.]


Img: [State Senator Richard M. Daley and Chicago Mayor Michael Bilandic review the St. Patrick's Day parade, circa 1970s. Photo: Laszlo Kondor. Laszlo Kondor Photograph collection, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, MSLASZ13_0001_0003_006.]



In 1980, Daley ran for state's attorney of Cook County:
Img: [Flyer promotes Richard M. Daley for Cook County State's Attorney, 1980. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RMD16_06_0002_0001_013.]

William Daley explains how his brother won the state's attorney election in 1980:


In 1983, Daley sought the Democratic nomination for mayor, but lost to Harold Washington.



Img: [Poster promotes Richard M. Daley for mayor of Chicago, 1983. Richard M. Daley papers, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, EXH_RMD16_06_0004_0004_001]

After the defeat in 1983, Daley continued serving as state's attorney until 1988, when he decided to run for mayor..