Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Stacy Davis Gates announced plans to collect petition signatures for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2026 re-election campaign, signaling strong union backing for his political future.
In a Tuesday interview with WTTW News, Davis Gates stated, ‘If he’s not going to pass one, I’ll pass one for him,’ referring to Johnson’s re-election petitions. She praised Johnson’s administration for allocating $1 billion to Chicago Public Schools (CPS), calling it a significant improvement over state funding efforts.
Johnson’s alignment with the CTU has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding concerns over declining academic performance in CPS. Davis Gates acknowledged these challenges but emphasized progress under Johnson’s leadership, stating, ‘I don’t think we’ve done better at Chicago Public Schools than under [Johnson’s] leadership.’
The CTU’s endorsement played a pivotal role in Johnson’s 2023 victory, where he defeated former CPS CEO Paul Vallas in the runoff after surpassing incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the primary. Financial disclosures analyzed by the Illinois Policy Institute indicate that the CTU contributed $2.6 million directly to Johnson’s 2023 campaign, with teachers unions collectively donating over $6 million.
Johnson has consistently denied allegations that his policies are dictated by the CTU, asserting in a 2023 ABC 7 interview that his platform reflects a ‘shared commitment to uniting the city around a set of values.’ Critics, however, argue that his deep ties to the union undermine his ability to address systemic issues in CPS.
The mayor’s tenure has also faced broader challenges, including debates over school funding, academic performance metrics, and the long-term sustainability of union-backed initiatives. Davis Gates’ announcement underscores the CTU’s strategic investment in Johnson’s political future, framing his re-election as critical to maintaining progress in public education.
Chicago Public Schools has not yet issued a formal response to the CTU’s announcement, and Johnson’s campaign has not detailed specific re-election priorities beyond his current agenda.