Here’s what to know about the race in District 8B, including the candidates and their campaign platforms.
The district
District 8B snakes from Downtown across the Near South Side and South Side to the Southwest Side, covering parts of the Loop, Near South Side, Douglas, Armour Square, Bridgeport, McKinley Park, New City, Brighton Park, Gage Park, Chicago Lawn and West Lawn. By racial demographics, the population is approximately 61% Hispanic, 16% white, 13% Black and 8% Asian.
The district has 34 schools in all, including more than two dozen elementary schools, charter options, dual language programs, fine and performing arts schools, and a regional gifted center. District 8B is also home to eight high schools, notably Jones College Prep, a selective enrollment school Chicago Magazine recently named the fifth-best public high school in Chicago.
The school board member currently representing District 8B is Cydney Wallace, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2025 as his 11th and final pick.
The candidates
Juan Ignacio Gonzalez is running unopposed in District 8B. Gonzalez is a Chicago Police Department detective.
The district’s current representative, Cydney Wallace, was knocked off the ballot.
Why 5 Chicago school board races will likely be uncontested
More Top Picks Best Mens Leather Messenger Bags
Juan Ignacio Gonzalez
The candidate did not respond to the Tribune’s questionnaire.