CTU influence officially wanes: Statements from the Illinois Policy Institute
Primary vote indicates support for Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program and against CTU-backed candidates

CHICAGO (March 18, 2026) – Illinois voters showed overwhelming support for a program that would provide more funding for public and private schools if the governor opts in.

Nearly 64% of Illinoisans across over 30 voting districts voted in support of a non-binding advisory question on the March 17 ballot that gauged interest in Illinois opting to give a donation tax credit. The referendum passed in all 28 jurisdictions where the results were final and is expected to pass in the remaining races.

The results could empower Gov. J.B. Pritzker to join the 28 other states that have already opted into the federal program. He has until Jan. 1 to decide.

The federal program grants donors a dollar-for-dollar tax credit — up to $1,700 — for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations that help eligible K-12 students in private or public schools cover academic expenses such as tutoring, test preparation, books, dual-enrollment courses and career training.

The Chicago Teachers Union saw seven of its 13 endorsed candidates lose their competitive primaries, according to the Illinois Policy Institute. An institute poll found CTU’s popularity recently hit a record low of 27.5% among likely Chicago voters in a poll last month.

Mailee Smith, vice president of policy and litigation at the Illinois Policy Institute, released the following statements:

On the Illinois Federal Scholarship Tax Credit advisory question: 

“Gov. JB Pritzker has an opportunity to make Illinois one of the best states for public education funding in the country. By opting into the program, he could help thousands of students across the state.

“The program expands access to tutoring, covers educational resources for students with special needs, empowers public school foundations and helps families afford the resources that improve college and career readiness. Now we know that over 130,000 Illinoisans support opting into the program.”

On the Chicago Teachers Union-endorsed candidates: 

“The Chicago Teachers Union has long been one of the city’s most powerful political forces, helping propel allies such as Mayor Brandon Johnson into office and shaping the direction of progressive politics in Chicago. Yet years of strikes, tax hikes and activism that prioritizes politics over the classroom is changing its political clout.

“CTU’s unpopularity means its endorsement is becoming a political liability rather than an asset. Notable politicians, such as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and U.S. House candidate Daniel Biss, created distance between themselves and the union this cycle.

“Instead of pushing radical agendas, the union should return its focus to the classroom and help students learn, improve basic skills and succeed.”

To learn more about CTU endorsements, visit illin.is/CTUbacked.

For bookings or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.