Chicago School Board Election 2026: The race in District 7b, Southwest Side
This story was reported and published in collaboration with WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago, a nonprofit newsroom covering Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Stay informed with Chalkbeat Chicago’s newsletter , WBEZ and the Sun-Times’ education newsletter , and Block Club Chicago’s newsletters . Two Latinas with backgrounds in public service are vying to represent a slice of the…
In the 2026 Chicago School Board election, District 7b on the Southwest Side presents a tight race between two candidates with different backgrounds and priorities. Incumbent Yesenia Lopez, a Latina with a public service background, is challenged by Erika Diaz-Chavez, a project manager at the Chicago Park District who attended private schools.
Both candidates support providing more special education resources and protecting immigrant families, but they differ on Sustainable Community Schools, a program favored by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Lopez, backed by SEIU Illinois State Council, endorses the program, while Diaz-Chavez, supported by The Urban Center, is skeptical and wants to evaluate it before allocating more funds.
Both candidates share a focus on improving student outcomes and addressing the needs of immigrant families, but they have distinct views on the role and effectiveness of the CTU-led program.
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- 2026 Chicago School Board Election Resources chalkbeat.org
