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Believe it or not, it is once again election season — this time, for the Illinois General Election on November 3. With the moratorium on school closures ending soon, and billionaires like Rahm Emanuel-advisor Michael Sacks dumping over $2.5 million into the school board race, we need to make sure we elect proven-progressives into office.
We need candidates who come from the working class, who understand that the status quo is not working, and who will demonstrate bold and innovative leadership — now more than ever. 33rd Ward Working Families is proud to endorse these four candidates who will push against the status quo to fully fund our public schools, keep them open, and make sure that we #TaxTheRich to make it happen.
Here are the candidates that we vetted who will not take money from billionaires and corporations, and who are committed to using their office to fight for legislation while also directly organizing for the change we need.
Meet the Candidates
Hilario Dominguez for School Board President
All Chicagoans, regardless of where you live in the city, will vote for the School Board President.
Billionaires are planning to throw everything they have at buying the school board to support their pro-privitization and pro-school-closure mentality. By contrast, Hilario is a vetted advocate for working people. He has fought for fully funding Chicago’s Public Schools in City Council and in Springfield, and he is a former teacher and student in CPS.
At a moment when politicians are pushing for austerity and cuts, Hilario is dreaming big, like expanding pre-k to all kids above the age of 3 through methods such as early learning hubs.
Depending on where you live in the city, you reside within a specific School Board District. In order to figure out which district you live in, we recommend visiting https://publicschoolchampions.com/ to type in your address and identify our endorsed candidates. Within the 33rd Ward, you live within one of three School Board Districts. Our three candidates are below.
Claudia Peralta for School Board District 1B
Claudia is a lifelong public servant and community leader. Her career has been defined by service, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to making public institutions work better for the people they serve.
Today, Claudia serves as District Director for Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez, where she acts as the Congresswoman’s senior district advisor and oversees all district office operations. She leads constituent services, supervises staff, develops internal systems and procedures, and ensures the office effectively serves residents across the Northwest and West Sides of Chicago
Claudia brings statewide experience from her work at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, where she coordinated a $40 million immigration program, supported more than 50 community-based organizations, and partnered with state and federal leaders on immigrant integration efforts across Illinois.
Debby Pope for School Board District 2A
Debby has been a lifelong social justice advocate, and has been a partner to the 33rd Ward Working Families since our inception, and supported many of our campaigns over the years.
Since she was appointed to the board in October 2024, Debby has been involved as a member on the superintendent search, and trying to rebuild the Special Education Advisory Committee, supporting CPS’ transition five schools being closed by Acero to district schools. Debby has worked to support our immigrant students and push to strengthen city-wdie CPS policies.
Debby looks forward to expanding public listening sessions in her next term.
Norma Rios-Sierra for School Board District 3A
Norma is a community organizer and current Board of Education member who is going to fight for a budget that centers students, families, and teachers. She will be an advocate for funding streams that can ensure every student has access to high-quality schools. In her first year on the board, Norma has gone to bat for immigrant students and worked to improve collaboration with city agencies, among other accomplishments.
Take Action
At a time when our communities are under attack, empowering strong, passionate local leaders has never been more critical. These progressive champions are our first line of defense against the inhumane actions of the Trump administration.
Use your power as a member of our community to help fight back!
Join 33WF for a Tuesday or Thursday or Saturday canvass to support these candidates and support our other candidates for the upcoming municipal elections.
Share this article, or the image of our voter guide, with your neighbors (see below)
And of course: vote for all these candidates on or before November 3rd!
