From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Big money floods School Board races
Billionaire-backed groups outspend Chicago Teachers Union 5:1 in school board races.
In brief
Billionaire-backed groups outspend Chicago Teachers Union 5:1 in school board races. Billionaire-backed groups have spent over $8.1 million targeting Chicago Teachers Union's board president pick in school board races. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
School Board races
Chicago Public Schools will elect all 20 board members and a citywide president on November 3.
Billionaire spending surge
Wealthy suburban donors have outraised the Chicago Teachers Union 5:1 and outspent it nearly 3:1 in campaign finance filings.
Targeting Hilario Dominguez
Over a quarter of $8.1 million spent by billionaire-backed groups targets Hilario Dominguez, the CTU’s board president pick.
Spending disparity
The spending against Dominguez is more than four times the amount spent on top supported candidate Jessica Biggs.
Proxy battle strategy
Billionaire-funded groups aim to take down the CTU before February’s mayoral race, where Mayor Brandon Johnson is closely allied with the union.
CTU pushback
The Chicago Teachers Union has faced scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct with a CPS student nearly a decade ago.
Election context
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reelection campaign has less than $380,000 while his top opponent has $19 million.
CTU’s position
The Chicago Teachers Union has been a key ally in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political rise.
Billionaire-backed groups
Charter school backers and prominent billionaires have aligned against the Chicago Teachers Union.
Spending analysis
Our analysis shows billionaire-backed groups have outraised the CTU 5:1 and outspent it nearly 3:1 in campaign finance filings.
CTU’s candidate
Hilario Dominguez, the CTU’s board president pick, faces heavy opposition from billionaire-backed groups.
Top supported candidate
Jessica Biggs is the top supported candidate by the Chicago Teachers Union.
Election timeline
The school board races will be held on November 3, 2026, with the mayoral race in February 2027.
CTU’s influence
The Chicago Teachers Union helped propel its former organizer to office as mayor.
Spending impact
Billionaire-backed groups have spent over $8.1 million targeting Hilario Dominguez in the school board races.
Consequence
The school board races could shift political power in Chicago before the mayoral election.
The essence
Billionaire-backed groups have spent over $8.1 million targeting Chicago Teachers Union's board president pick in school board races.
