Chicago school board election

Chicago voters participated in a historic election to select all 21 members of the city’s school board for the first time. The election included a citywide race for board president, which served as a test of influence for Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) against outside groups like the Common Ground Collective.

Jessica Biggs, a former principal and current board member, was elected as the first president of the Chicago Board of Education, securing approximately 49% of the vote. She defeated Hilario Dominguez, who was backed by the CTU, and attorney Victor Henderson.

While Biggs won the presidency, the CTU appeared to make significant gains in district races, with CTU-backed candidates leading in nine of the 15 contested district seats. This potential nine-member bloc could create opposition to Biggs, as a two-thirds majority is required to overturn certain resolutions. Biggs has pledged to focus on student learning, state funding coalitions, and addressing challenges related to finances, enrollment, and community trust.