The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), once close allies in advocating for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) workers, have publicly diverged in their endorsements for the city’s first elected school board president. The SEIU announced its support for Jessica Biggs, a current school board member and former CPS principal, while the CTU endorsed Hilario Dominguez, the union’s former political director.

This split highlights growing tensions between the two unions, which collectively represent tens of thousands of CPS employees. SEIU Local 73, representing about 16,500 CPS workers and more than 160,000 statewide, praised Biggs in a news release, describing her as a coalition builder who has worked extensively on the city’s Southwest Side. “She doesn’t just talk about equity, she’s built it, school by school and block by block,” said Dian Palmer, president of SEIU Local 73.

CTU, with approximately 30,000 CPS members, responded critically to the SEIU endorsement, highlighting Biggs’ campaign donors who are connected to supporters of former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The teachers union referred to Emanuel's administration as responsible for “the destruction of Chicago’s Public Schools,” citing the closure of 50 schools during his tenure. In response, Biggs emphasized her opposition to privatization efforts and budget cuts while serving as a CPS principal under Emanuel’s administration, asserting her progressive track record on social media.

Alongside Dominguez and Biggs, candidates Jennifer Custer, Victor Henderson, and Sendhil Revuluri are also contending for the school board president position. Custer is a current school board member and former educator, Henderson is an attorney and board member of the charter operator Urban Prep, and Revuluri, a former math teacher, was appointed to the board by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

The underlying rift between the CTU and SEIU followed an unsuccessful effort by the CTU to reclassify part of the SEIU’s membership, prompting accusations of an attempt to “raid” members. Since then, the unions have taken opposing positions on several issues, including budget management and school policy decisions. However, they share some common ground: both unions endorsed four of the same candidates for the school board and are advocating for increased state educational funding in response to CPS budget cuts that have led to job losses among their members.

These endorsements come ahead of the November election, presenting families and CPS employees with a clear choice between union-backed candidates representing differing visions for the city’s education system. With significant resources and mobilization capabilities on both sides, the election for school board president is shaping up to be a closely watched and competitive contest.