From Chicago Sun-Times · · 3m
Chicago billionaire Michael Sacks
Chicago billionaire Michael Sacks now opposes Mayor Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union in mayoral race.
In brief
Chicago billionaire Michael Sacks now opposes Mayor Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union in mayoral race. Chicago billionaire Michael Sacks is a major Democratic donor who has become a chief foe of Mayor Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union in the mayoral election. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Michael Sacks' political role
Michael Sacks, 64, has long been a fixture in Chicago politics and is a major Democratic donor.
Sacks' relationship with Johnson
Four years ago, Sacks wrote a $200,000 check to Brandon Johnson’s inaugural committee and advised him on setting up his administration.
Johnson names Sacks as opponent
When Johnson launched his campaign for a second term last month, he named Michael Sacks as his primary political opponent.
Sacks' past political work
Sacks helped recruit JB Pritzker to run for governor and was Emanuel’s point person on economic development and education funding.
Sacks' current political actions
Sacks now supports Common Ground Collective, targeting Johnson’s City Council allies and anti-CTU school board candidates.
Sacks' financial history
Sacks made his first million by age 30 and grew Grosvenor from a small firm to managing $91 billion in assets.
Sacks' school funding role
Sacks was the architect of the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund that shared wealth from downtown development with neglected neighborhoods.
Sacks' connection to Emanuel
Sacks and former Mayor Rahm Emanuel worked closely, with Sacks advising him on economic development and school funding.
Sacks' role in school funding formula
Sacks helped secure an evidence-based school funding formula that produced hundreds of millions for Chicago Public Schools.
CTU's criticism of Sacks
Jackson Potter, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, says Sacks supported school closures and dismantling public education.
Sacks' defense of his actions
Sacks claims he cares about public education and has a long history of supporting Chicago schools.
Sacks' political donations
Sacks has spent $9.2 million on Illinois-specific Democratic candidates or causes since the beginning of last year.
Sacks' support for Giannoulias
Sacks has given about $500,000 to mayoral challenger Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
Sacks' AIPAC contributions
Sacks has made off-and-on contributions to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
Sacks' conflict with Davis Gates
Sacks and Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates had a falling out over political donations and accusations.
Johnson's attack on Sacks
Johnson accused Sacks of being the driving force behind his failed corporate head tax and the CTU's opposition.
What matters most
Chicago billionaire Michael Sacks is a major Democratic donor who has become a chief foe of Mayor Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union in the mayoral election.
