CTU-backed candidates win three Chicago school board races that were too close to call
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. More than a week after Election Day, Chicago voters in three electoral districts have clarity about who will represent them on the city’s first fully elected school board. A fourth race remains too…
Chicago voters have now clear results on three of the four races for the city's first fully elected school board. The race that remains too close to call will be decided as more mail-in ballots are counted. The updated results show that candidates with support from pro-school choice groups will have a narrow majority, weakening the teachers' union's hold on the board. The official proclamation of results is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 24.
In District 3b, Jason Dónes defeated incumbent Carlos Rivas Jr. Dónes, supported by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), won 52% of the vote. Rivas, backed by SEIU, the union representing school support staff, and pro-school choice groups, drew support from the Common Ground Collective. Dónes' victory was attributed to community organizing and door-to-door campaigning, rather than outside spending.
In District 5b, Michilla Blaise retained her seat against Anthony Hargrove with over 52% of the vote. Blaise thanked her daughters for their influence in her campaign, stating that they saw her as a role model for their future success.
Incumbent Emma Lozano maintained her position on the school board in District 7a, despite a challenge from Jesus Ayala Jr. Lozano, also supported by the CTU, won with 54% of the votes. Ayala, backed by major education groups, secured 46% of the vote.
Written by urgent.news from Chalkbeat's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
