NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 17, 2026United States
Campaign Spending Surges in Historic Chicago School Board President Race
Fundraising for the Chicago school board president race has topped $1.8 million, with donation limits removed after candidate Victor Henderson loaned his own campaign $500,000. This November, Chicago residents will elect all 21 members of the school board for the first time, ending decades of mayoral control.
Read the full story at Chicago Sun-TimesWhy It Matters
The removal of contribution caps allows unlimited individual donations to presidential candidates, significantly increasing the influence of wealthy donors and political action committees in the city's first fully elected school board race.
Key Facts
Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.
Who's Mentioned
personSean Harden“Appointee of Mayor Brandon Johnson; not running for election.”personBrandon Johnson“Current mayor who appoints half the existing board.”organizationIllinois Network of Charter Schools“Possesses the largest war chest among PACs at over $4 million.”personPaul Finnegan“Chairman of Madison Dearborn Partners; donated nearly $1 million to candidates a”organizationChicago Teachers Union“Backing Hilario Dominguez and spending on candidate defense.”personHilario Dominguez“Former CTU organizer backed by the Chicago Teachers Union.”personJennifer Custer“Incumbent board member representing the Far Northwest Side.”personSendhil Revuluri“Former board vice president appointed by Lori Lightfoot.”personJessica Biggs“Current board member representing district 6b.”organizationSEIU Local 73“Represents CPS support staff; announced endorsements for 13 races.”personVictor Henderson“Loaned his campaign $500,000, triggering the removal of donation limits.”