Chicago School Board Candidate Suspended Campaign

As the November 3 election approaches, families see one candidate withdraw from the citywide presidential race.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Administration

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an institutional building facade, evoking the gravity of a local civic school board election. — Sendhil Revuluri has suspended his campaign for Chicago School Board president, although his name remains on the November 3 ballot. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Sendhil Revuluri has suspended his campaign for Chicago School Board president, though his name will remain on the November 3 ballot. The withdrawal leaves three candidates remaining in the citywide race to lead the board as voters prepare to elect members for 20 geographic districts.

Why it matters

Revuluri stated he chose to exit the race because he could not compete with the significant spending from special interest groups, which he argued have introduced excessive political drama and ideological conflict into the contest.

Labor unions have poured $2.2 million into the race, including $276,000 from the Chicago Teachers Union for Hilario Dominguez and $160,000 from the SEIU for Jessica Biggs. Meanwhile, Revuluri is exiting with $750,000 in funds, $400,000 of which was a personal loan to his own campaign.

The players

Sendhil Revuluri

A former candidate for Chicago School Board president who withdrew citing the influence of special interest money.

Hilario Dominguez

A candidate for school board president supported by $276,000 in spending from the Chicago Teachers Union.

Jessica Biggs

A candidate for school board president who received $160,000 from the Service Employees International Union.

Chicago Teachers Union

A powerful local labor organization representing educators that actively funds preferred school board candidates.

The details

The Chicago School Board election involves a complex structure where 20 members will be elected to represent individual geographic districts. While Revuluri has ceased active campaigning, his legal status requires his name to stay on the ballot for the upcoming November 3 contest. The remaining field now faces a campaign environment heavily influenced by significant external financial backing from labor organizations.

September 29, 2026: Sendhil Revuluri announced his campaign suspension.
November 3, 2026: The Chicago School Board election date.

The Home Front

This election represents a significant shift in city oversight as Chicago moves toward a new, fragmented model of school board representation. It follows the pattern of increased political mobilization and external funding established by the 2024 launch of Chicago Democrats for Education.

As you prepare for the November 3 election, check your assigned geographic district to see which candidates are appearing on your ballot. Research the platforms of the remaining three candidates to understand how their priorities for school administration may affect your children's local schools.

The takeaway

The race for school board president is being shaped by record-level spending from labor unions, which has fundamentally changed the viability of independent candidates. Keep an eye on local district races, as these 20 positions will collectively determine the leadership of the city school system.