Introduction to the New Teachers Union Post
As Stacy Davis Gates expands her clout by taking over as the head of a statewide teachers union, the new job may allow her greater access to another large pot of campaign money just as her ally, Mayor Brandon Johnson, prepares to run for reelection. It’s well known that Gates, who retains her post as head of the Chicago Teachers Union, and Johnson are close politically and that the CTU was a significant force in getting him elected to City Hall in 2023 — pumping millions of dollars into his campaign fund, and putting foot soldiers onto the streets to drum up voter support.
The Illinois Federation of Teachers’ Political Action Committee
But less known is that the Illinois Federation of Teachers — the CTU’s statewide parent organization that Gates recently took over as the new president, replacing longtime chief Dan Montgomery — also maintains a political action committee that has given nearly $1 million to Johnson’s election efforts. Gates’ elevation from IFT executive vice president could give her greater voice over how that IFT fund dispatches its cash — now totaling over $2 million.
Campaign Contributions and Financials
Among the campaign contributions from the Illinois Federation of Teachers to Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Illinois State Board of Elections
Just days before, the IFT fund made what appears to be its largest-ever campaign contribution until that point to Friends of Brandon Johnson: $150,000. That was quickly followed by other notable campaign contributions from the group: $90,100 in November 2022 and $100,000 in February 2023 — two weeks before the election that saw Johnson emerge as one of the top two vote getters and therefore advancing to an April runoff in which he beat former Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas.
The CTU’s Political Action Committees
The CTU maintains at least two political action committees, one with around $2,000 on hand that’s overseen by Gates, another with more than $500,000 with other officials listed as the officers. Another political fund with close ties to Johnson is affiliated with United Working Families, where Johnson’s campaign treasurer, Crystal Gardner, worked for years, and that’s been heavily funded by the CTU and the Service Employees International Union.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stacy Davis Gates’ new role as the head of the statewide teachers union may give her greater access to campaign money, which could potentially benefit Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reelection campaign. The Illinois Federation of Teachers’ political action committee has already contributed nearly $1 million to Johnson’s election efforts, and Gates’ elevation could give her greater control over the fund’s dispatching of cash.
FAQs
Q: Who is Stacy Davis Gates and what is her new role?
A: Stacy Davis Gates is the head of the Chicago Teachers Union and has recently taken over as the new president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the CTU’s statewide parent organization.
Q: How much has the Illinois Federation of Teachers contributed to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s election efforts?
A: The IFT’s political action committee has given nearly $1 million to Johnson’s election efforts.
Q: What is the significance of Gates’ new role in terms of campaign money?
A: Gates’ elevation could give her greater voice over how the IFT fund dispatches its cash, which could potentially benefit Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reelection campaign.
Q: How much does Gates currently make from the CTU?
A: According to U.S. Labor Department records, Gates currently makes around $195,000 from the CTU.
Q: What is the IFT’s parent organization and how much has it contributed to Johnson’s election efforts?
A: The IFT’s parent organization is the American Federation of Teachers, which has given more than $2 million in campaign money to Johnson’s election efforts since 2018.
