Here’s what to know about the race in District 7B, including the candidates and their campaign platforms.
The district
District 7B stretches across the Near Southwest, Southwest and South sides of Chicago, covering parts of Archer Heights, Armour Square, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Gage Park, Garfield Ridge, Lower West Side, McKinley Park and West Elsdon. By racial demographics, the population is approximately 63% Hispanic, 22% Asian, 12% white and 2% Black.
The district boasts 33 schools in all, with more than two dozen choices for elementary education and both charter and neighborhood options for high school students.
The school board member currently representing District 7B is Yesenia Lopez, who was elected by voters in the 7th District in 2024.
The candidates
Two candidates are running in District 7B: Erika Diaz-Chavez and incumbent Yesenia Lopez.
Diaz-Chavez is a project manager for the Chicago Park District. Lopez is a political campaign director.
Erika Diaz-Chavez
The candidate did not respond to the Tribune’s questionnaire.
Yesenia Lopez
The candidate did not respond to the Tribune’s questionnaire.