Here’s what to know about the race in District 7A, including the candidates and their campaign platforms.
The district
District 7A is located primarily on the Near Southwest and Southwest sides of Chicago, covering parts of Near West Side, Lower West Side, South Lawndale, Archer Heights and Garfield Ridge. By racial demographics, the population is approximately 67% Hispanic, 14% white, 11% Black and 7% Asian.
The district boasts 44 schools in all, with performing arts schools, scholastic academies, world language programs and a handful of magnet schools and charter options for both elementary and high school-age students.
The school board member currently representing District 7A is Emma Lozano, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2024.
The candidates
Two candidates are running in District 7A: Jesus Ayala Jr. and incumbent Emma Lozano.
Ayala is an executive at a youth nonprofit. Lozano is a pastor and a longtime community organizer.
Jesus Ayala Jr.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
- Center students: Improve student outcomes and ensure every school has the staff and resources students need.
- Accountability, presence and transparency: Give families and communities a meaningful voice in CPS decisions.
- Long-term school success: Build long-term financial and operational stability so CPS can deliver consistently for students.
Do you support continuing the moratorium on school closings? YES / NO
I oppose closing schools and CPS should pursue transparent, community-led planning that explores all other options. A moratorium allows us to focus our efforts where it matters.
Do you support the Chicago Board of Education’s decision this summer to budget an additional $150 million in state funding to reverse layoffs and prevent a spending freeze? YES / NO
I support protecting school-based staff and pushing the state to fully fund CPS, but the board should not balance its budget on revenue that has not been appropriated or secured. Students and families need financial stability, not another midyear crisis.
Should Chicago Public Schools continue raising its property tax levy to the legal limit? YES / NO
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CPS should responsibly use the revenue tools available to it while recognizing the burden on taxpayers. Property taxes cannot be the long-term solution alone, especially when longtime homeowners already struggling.
Emma Lozano
What are your top three priorities if elected?
- Fully fund and strengthen neighborhood public schools.
- Protect immigrant and undocumented students and families.
- Expand special education services, Sustainable Community Schools and local school council participation so every student and family has the support and voice they deserve.
Do you support continuing the moratorium on school closings? YES / NO
Neighborhood schools are community anchors, and closures disproportionately harm Black and Latino communities. I support continuing the moratorium while investing in fully funded neighborhood schools, smaller class sizes, adequate staffing and community-led solutions to school needs.
Do you support the Chicago Board of Education’s decision this summer to budget an additional $150 million in state funding to reverse layoffs and prevent a spending freeze? YES / NO
CPS should aggressively advocate for the state funding students are entitled to receive and use it to protect staffing and school services. The board must also monitor revenue assumptions, demand transparency and ensure funding reaches students and classrooms.
Should Chicago Public Schools continue raising its property tax levy to the legal limit? YES / NO
Yes, as part of a broader progressive revenue strategy. CPS needs stable, adequate funding, but taxpayers should not bear the burden alone. I support full state evidence-based funding, progressive revenue, strong oversight and protecting students from budget cuts and school closures.