Today, we are proud to celebrate critical victories as pro-labor, pro-education, pro-democracy candidates secured consequential wins in this election. Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement.
“I am immensely proud of our members, who poured their hearts into this election cycle—whether through canvassing, phone banking, texting, or connecting with their communities. Their dedication underscored the vital importance of this election. Because of their hard work, we have elected Illinois lawmakers who truly share our union’s values and are committed to creating an equitable future for all Illinoisans.
“Nearly every IFT-endorsed candidate either retained or secured their seat, proving the effectiveness of our collective vision. These victories highlight our commitment to fully-funded public education and a government that defends the rights of women, immigrants, and working families.
“Chicago citizens have made history by electing their first-ever school board, marking a transformative step forward for public education. This elected, pro-education board now has a clear mandate to focus on ensuring that every child in Chicago has access to a high-quality education. Committed to equity, this board is ready to strengthen our schools and build a more just educational experience for all students in every neighborhood.
“Though we did not achieve the results we had hoped for in the presidential race, our members rallied steadfastly behind Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, fueling a powerful movement to champion working families, education, collective bargaining, and democratic integrity. Our work even crossed state lines, with members supporting our union neighbors in Wisconsin to help re-elect Senator Tammy Baldwin.
"Make no mistake; our members will continue to work tirelessly to educate every student and protect every citizen we serve – whether they are white or of color; gay, straight or trans; descendants of the Mayflower or undocumented immigrants. Everyone. Our commitment remains unshaken, and we will stand together, fighting to preserve and strengthen our democracy in the face of every challenge."