Chicago holds historic election for fully elected school board

Chicago voters are participating in a historic election to select all 21 members of the city’s school board for the first time. The election includes the citywide race for board president, a powerful position that sets the board’s agenda. This race has seen over $5 million in funding, with candidates including sitting board member Jessica Biggs, former Chicago Teachers Union deputy political director Hilario Dominguez, and attorney Victor Henderson.

The election is being viewed by some as a proxy for the upcoming mayoral race and a test of influence for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). While the CTU seeks to maintain control, outside groups like the Common Ground Collective are spending significantly to elect alternative candidates.

In specific district races, such as District 7b on the Southwest Side, candidates are focusing on special education resources and immigrant protections. In that district, incumbent Yesenia Lopez, backed by the Service Employees International Union, faces challenger Erika Diaz-Chavez, who has received support from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools and the Urban Center.