Stacy Davis Gates

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates pledged to collect petition signatures for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s re-election, citing his school funding efforts. The CTU and other teachers' unions contributed over $6 million to Johnson’s 2023 campaign. Critics highlight concerns over academic performance and the union’s $50 billion-plus demand list during 2024 negotiations.

President Donald Trump's federal voucher plan is facing opposition in Illinois from the CTU and Illinois Federation of Teachers, who argue it aims to privatize education. The groups are urging Gov. Pritzker to reject the plan.

Far-left groups are shifting focus from May Day protests to mobilize voters for the 2026 midterms, pushing Democrats further left and criticizing party leaders. The Working Families Party is playing a key role in this effort, endorsing candidates in various races. The party's influence is growing, with collective revenues of $2 billion among about 600 groups that organized May Day events.

Far-left groups are shifting their focus from May Day protests to mobilizing voters for the 2026 midterms, pushing Democrats further left and criticizing party leaders. The Working Families Party is exercising growing influence in electoral races throughout the country. They are endorsing candidates for offices ranging from the U.S. Senate to local school boards.