Our union and our allies are changing the narrative in Chicago

On election night, Chicagoans choose progressive change

Linchpin issues in April run-off include affordable and livable neighborhoods, adequately resourced neighborhood public schools, and an end to City Hall policies that benefit elites at expense of everyday Chicagoans.

CHICAGO—Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey issued the following statement following last night’s historic municipal election in Chicago, where a number of CTU-endorsed candidates—including Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle—entered run-off elections or emerged victorious in citywide races:

“The voters of Chicago last night reiterated their tremendous desire for change in this city. We saw across the board that we can put the fight for an elected school board front and center and win. We can call for an end to charter expansion and school closings and win. We can fight for working class families and equal access to health care and win. We can say that Black Lives Matter and call for police accountability and win. We can be Black, brown, female and LGBTQIA+ and win. These are no longer just dreams or grassroots conversations, but realities of a new day in Chicago and the hallmark of our fight going forward.

“The movement won last night, a movement that is led, in part, by the progressive and independent political United Working Families party, of which our union is a founding member. This is a movement that believes in the need for investment in low-income communities and recognizes the pain of families whose neighborhoods have been ignored for far too long. It’s a movement that will fight for affordable housing, fully funded education and a city that works for everyone—not just the rich or whoever serves the whims of the fifth floor of City Hall.

“And let’s not forget the racist bedrock on which this city was founded, and functions to this day. An African-American woman on the cusp of the mayor’s seat is a monumental achievement. Last night, however, was just the beginning. We are back at work today—in the streets and in our communities—for a better Chicago, because this is a movement for educational, social, racial and economic justice that will not rest until that justice comes. And as a union, we will continue to push for the schools and the city our students deserve, and we are extremely proud and honored to work alongside candidates who will help make that vision a reality.”

All CTU-endorsed candidates winning support on Tuesday