Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates will lead the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the IFT announced Saturday after its election, positioning the progressive power player to have an even greater role in negotiations over state education funding.

As Davis Gates’ election could push IFT further to the left, it remains to be seen whether her brand of progressivism will prove as effective in Springfield as it has been in Chicago.

Best known for her forceful and sometimes controversial voice in advocating for teacher interests and the interests of Black and brown communities in Chicago Public Schools, Davis Gates is a key ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson. The mayor also rose to power through CTU and has advocated for additional state funding with a mixed track record.

In an examp

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