INCS Action PAC Endorsed Candidates Cruise to Re-Election
Chicago, IL– On Tuesday, Chicago residents cast their vote in support of quality public schools for all children when they re-elected Mayor Rahm Emanuel to a second term. Mayor Emanuel’s 56% to 44% margin of victory reflects a strong endorsement of his leadership on quality school choice. It also serves as a sharp rebuke to Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who proposed a moratorium on charter public schools. INCS Action PAC endorsed and supported Mayor Emanuel for his commitment to education and proven track record of improving our public school system for students and families. Charter public school parents and advocates made their voices clear at the ballot box in support of parent choice and improved access to quality public schools for every student.
“Tuesday’s mayoral election was a victory for Chicago students,” said David Weinberg, Chairman of INCS Action PAC. “Mayor Emanuel made clear his vision for a quality public school in every neighborhood. That mission is at the core of the charter movement in this city, and we look forward to four more years of leadership so that all children have access to the education they deserve.”
INCS Action PAC endorsed three aldermanic candidates for Chicago City Council. Alderman Emma Mitts secured re-election in the 37th Ward against Tara Stamps, who was financially backed by the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Mitts has represented the Austin neighborhood since 2000 and has successfully championed the growth of high-performing charter public schools for her constituents. INCS Action PAC also endorsed Alderman Will Burns in the February primary election.
In the 16th Ward, candidates Stephanie Coleman and Toni Foulkes are in a race that is too close to call. With eligible absentee ballots left to be counted, 112 votes separate the candidates with over 7,000 votes cast. INCS Action PAC endorsed Stephanie Coleman.
“The re-election of Mayor Emanuel, Alderman Burns, and Alderman Mitts sends a strong message that our elected officials must support quality public school options for children and families in every neighborhood,” said Adam Rogalski, Director of Government Affairs for INCS Action. “These candidates stood up against attacks from the status quo and prioritized quality education and a family’s right to choice in our public schools.”
Charter public schools are proving what is possible for students who need another option or who for too long have not reached their full potential. In Chicago, 12 of the top 12 open-enrollment public high schools are charter schools based on ACT achievement. In fact, 70% of charter schools outperformed Chicago Public Schools’ average for other open-enrollment schools on the most recent ACT. Studies show charter public school students in Chicago have higher high school graduation rates, college enrollment rates, and are more likely to persist in college.
Parents have received this message. The demand for charter public schools in communities across Illinois continues to grow. This school year, there are 148 charter public school campuses in Illinois serving a record number of families with over 63,000 students enrolled.
Candidates Supported by INCS Action PAC:
- Mayor Rahm Emanuel
- Alderman Emma Mitts – Ward 37
- Alderman Will Burns – Ward 4
- Candidate Stephanie Coleman – Ward 16
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About INCS Action
INCS Action is the only statewide advocacy organization in Illinois that focuses solely on promoting charter public schools. INCS Action is a 501 (c)(4) organization. We are affiliated with the INCS Action PAC, an Illinois-registered political action committee that supports and opposes candidates for elected office. We support the charitable mission of our partner, the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, a 501 (c)(3) organization that brings together students, parents, educators, and administrators who all share a common goal: to improve the quality of public education by promoting and strengthening charter public schools throughout the State of Illinois. For more information on INCS Action, visit www.incsaction.org.
