A mixed election night for Chicago Teachers Union
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Chicago Teachers Union president Stacy Davis Gates speaks to CTU supporters Tuesday night. Photo: CTU livestream screenshot.
Tuesday's school board election results delivered some wins and losses for the Chicago Teachers Union, one of the most powerful political forces in the city.
Why it matters: As the labor reps for more than 27,000 Chicago educators, the CTU will need strong allies on the board to advance its agenda.
- But these races also represent a political barometer, one that may gauge the lingering strength of a CTU-backed wave that carried Mayor Brandon Johnson to power in 2023.
State of play: As of Wednesday afternoon, nine of the 14 candidates the CTU endorsed for office this round either won their race or were leading in the count.
Yes, but: Some key slots, including board president and the West Side 5a seat held by CTU ally Aaron "Jitu" Brown, went to non-CTU-backed candidates Jessica Biggs and real-estate agent LaPamela Williams, respectively.
- These losses will likely tarnish the union's recent reputation as kingmaker.
Between the lines: Depending on how the three races pan out, the CTU could end up with allies in nearly half of the board seats, meaning the era of robust debate and contentious board meetings will remain alive and well.
What they're saying: Tuesday night, CTU president Stacy Davis Gates expressed anger over heavy spending to defeat CTU-aligned candidates but resolve to stay in the fight.
- "Ain't nobody got a governing majority," she told a packed room at CTU headquarters. "They didn't win, and we didn't win. But maybe that's OK because I know how to negotiate."
And those CTU negotiation arenas: Davis Gates flexed that they're not restricted to bargaining "for sick time and personal days, but for unhoused children to get into the front of the line and get home."
What's next: Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King — who was appointed by, but has sparred with, Johnson — is looking at the new school board as "a fresh start."
- "I'm really excited about the fully elected school board," she told Axios Tuesday night at Biggs' victory party. "We're ready to work with the entire board and move the district forward. That's what's most exciting at this moment."