Chicago's Board of Education Elections: A Tale of Teachers, Money, and Voter Sentiment

Chicago's recent school board elections were more than just local contests. They became a referendum on Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Only four out of ten CTU-backed candidates seemed likely to win seats on the new hybrid Board of Education. The races were influenced by Johnson's struggle to control the school district and his controversial plan to take out a high-interest loan. The elections followed a rocky period for Johnson. He tried to oust the schools CEO, Pedro Martinez, and saw two board presidents resign. Some City Council members broke ranks with the mayor and the CTU. "People are tired, " said Angel Gutierrez, who won in District 8. "The people have spoken, " he added. CTU and pro-school-choice groups spent millions on the races. CTU had wins in Districts 2 and 7, while independent candidates did well in Districts 1, 6, and 8. Despite losses, Johnson will still control the board. The results show that voters are watching the mayor and the CTU closely. They want leaders who take responsibility and consider different viewpoints.