Here’s what to know about the race in District 9A, including the candidates and their campaign platforms.
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The district
District 9A is on Chicago’s South Side, stretching from New City to Englewood and West Englewood; the eastern edges of Chicago Lawn and Ashburn; and Auburn Gresham, part of Greater Grand Crossing, and the tips of Washington Heights and Roseland. By racial demographics, the population is approximately 83% Black, 12% Hispanic, 3% white and 1% Asian.
The district boasts a whopping 37 elementary schools — among them a scholastic academy, magnet and charter options and a Montessori school. High school students have seven choices, including one neighborhood school, Tilden High School, and a prestigious selective enrollment school, Lindblom Math and Science Academy.
The school board member currently representing District 9A is Angel Velez, appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2025 after Frank Niles Thomas vacated the seat.
The candidates
Brittany Bailey Preston is running unopposed in District 9A. Preston is the wife of state Sen. Willie Preston, a Chicago Democrat.
The district’s current representative, Angel Velez, was knocked off the ballot.
Brittany Bailey Preston
The candidate did not respond to the Tribune’s questionnaire.