Chicago school board race heats up
Outside money targets Dominguez as an aldermanic inquiry looms over his past.
By Amina Kaminski ·
Chicago’s school board president race has entered its final stretch with heavy financial pressure on one candidate. Millions in outside spending have flooded the contest, and most of that money is aimed at defeating Hilario Dominguez. He is running against Jessica Biggs and Victor Henderson for the top seat in the district.
Dominguez told FOX Chicago’s Brandon Pope that his primary focus is securing state funding for Chicago Public Schools. The interview addressed a specific financial challenge: how the district would cover a $150 million budget gap if Springfield does not approve the necessary money. Dominguez outlined his plans to stabilize the district’s finances regardless of the state’s decision.
The campaign has also drawn attention to Dominguez’s past. A closed investigation examined allegations of inappropriate behavior involving a 17-year-old while he worked with the nonprofit Resurrection Project. The news of that inquiry prompted 16 Chicago alderpeople to call for an independent look into the matter.
The race is closely watched by local stakeholders who track how school leadership impacts public health and community resources. Outside groups continue to pour funds into the election as the candidates make their final appeals. The spending disparity highlights the intensity of the contest in the days before the vote.
Jessica Biggs is scheduled to speak with FOX Chicago on Thursday. Brandon Pope has also requested an interview with Victor Henderson’s campaign to complete the coverage of the field. The candidates are competing for control of a major public institution that serves millions of families.
The investigation into the allegations remains a central point of discussion among local officials. The alderpeople’s call for an independent review adds a layer of scrutiny to Dominguez’s candidacy. The race will conclude with the final tally of votes from the city’s districts.
