Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Stacy Davis Gates expressed strong support for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s political future in a recent interview. She stated her willingness to gather petition signatures for his re-election campaign. Davis Gates emphasized the mayor’s contributions to education funding, contrasting it with what she perceives as the governor’s shortcomings.
“I hope to see Mayor Johnson come off the sideline and I hope to see the people who support him get out here and pass a petition. If he’s not going to pass one, I’ll pass one for him,” Davis Gates said. She praised the mayor, mentioning, “The mayor has given us a billion dollars… I don’t think we’ve done better at Chicago Public Schools than under Johnson’s leadership.”
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The endorsement comes despite ongoing debates about Johnson’s alignment with the CTU and declining student performance in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). In 2023, the union played a pivotal role in Johnson’s political success by endorsing him. Financial disclosures indicate that the CTU contributed over $2.6 million to his campaign, while teachers unions collectively contributed more than $6 million.
Throughout his term, Johnson has rebuffed allegations of undue influence by the union. He has consistently maintained that his agenda reflects shared community values. Johnson’s first term witnessed the establishment of a significant governance shift in CPS, including a transition towards a fully elected school board by January 2027.
The political decisions come amidst an enrollment crisis and rising operational costs. During the 2024 bargaining talks, union demands included salary hikes, coverage for health issues, and new social initiatives, which may cost over $50 billion according to the Illinois Policy Institute.
The CTU prioritizes a political and social activism agenda, often drawing criticism. An editorial by The Washington Post criticized the union’s focus on social justice, citing poor academic performance as a concern.
A CTU spokesperson pointed to Davis Gates’ comments on Fox News Digital three months ago:
Davis Gates defended the union’s alignment with Johnson, highlighting a commitment to democratic processes. She articulated member satisfaction under Johnson’s tenure, particularly emphasizing class size reduction and academic protections.
Johnson’s office hasn’t commented on these developments. Joshua Q. Nelson of Fox News Digital has followed cultural and educational policies, covering these topics in-depth.
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