Tara Stamps to Step Down as Mayor Johnson’s Campaign Chair
After Inquiries from Sun-Times, Stamps Says She’ll Resign
Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps has announced that she will step down as chairwoman of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign fund, following inquiries from the Chicago Sun-Times about potential conflicts of interest.
“It just made sense,” Stamps said this week. “For all parties involved.”
Conflict of Interest Concerns
A Chicago Sun-Times reporter asked Stamps and Johnson’s aides earlier this month whether her employment with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) presents a conflict of interest. Stamps is currently on the payroll for the CTU, and the union’s teacher training and retention program, which she oversees, called “We Care,” could be expanded under a new teacher contract depending on if and how the union’s hopes for more teacher mentoring are realized.
Johnson’s Involvement with CPS
Not only does Johnson help oversee Chicago Public Schools (CPS), but the CTU’s teacher training and retention program Stamps oversees, called “We Care,” could be expanded under a new teacher contract depending on if and how the union’s hopes for more teacher mentoring are realized.
Stamps’ Resignation
Stamps said her decision to resign from Johnson’s campaign fund “wasn’t just” spurred by the Sun-Times’ inquiry, but “you did help.” “We’re both going into races and we know it’s going to be a lot of scrutiny, so we’re going forward,” she added.
Background on Stamps and Johnson
Stamps was appointed to fill Johnson’s Cook County Board seat after he won the mayor’s race in 2023. She won a race in 2024 to keep that seat. Stamps and Johnson go back years, and they once taught at the same Chicago school. “Everyone knows Mayor Brandon Johnson and I have a long history,” Stamps said. “Before anything, he’s my friend.”
Conclusion
Stamps’ resignation as chairwoman of Johnson’s campaign fund comes after concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest involving her employment with the CTU and her role in Johnson’s campaign. While Stamps and Johnson have a long history, her resignation is a step in the right direction to maintain transparency and trust in the political process.
FAQs
* Q: Why did Tara Stamps step down as chairwoman of Mayor Johnson’s campaign fund?
A: Stamps stepped down after inquiries from the Chicago Sun-Times raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest involving her employment with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and her role in Johnson’s campaign.
* Q: What is the purpose of the “We Care” program?
A: The “We Care” program is a teacher training and retention program overseen by Stamps, which could be expanded under a new teacher contract depending on if and how the union’s hopes for more teacher mentoring are realized.
* Q: How much has the CTU donated to Johnson’s campaign?
A: The CTU has donated over $2.3 million to Johnson’s campaign fund between late 2022 and late 2023, according to campaign filings.
