Politics |

Labor unions are split on Chicago mayor candidates as powerful IUOE Local 150 backs Paul Vallas

Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune

With his running mate Paul Vallas, left, at his side, Gov. Pat Quinn does not concede defeat on election night in Chicago, Nov. 4, 2014, although challenger Bruce Rauner had collected more votes by 11:25pm.

Candice C. Cusic, Chicago Tribune

Democratic governor candidates Rod Blagojevich, from left, Paul Vallas and Roland Burris prepare to debate in 2002 in the WLS-Ch.7 studios.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, center, and Ald. Tom Tunney, standing right, talk to customers during a meet-and-greet at Ann Sather Restaurant on Feb. 25, 2023, in Lakeview.

Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune

Candidate for lieutenant governor Paul Vallas campaigns at an Arlington Heights Memorial Day parade on May 26, 2014.

Adam Wolffbrandt / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas is introduced as Gov. Pat Quinn's running mate on Nov. 12, 2013.

John Smierciak/Chicago Tribune

Candidate for governor Paul Vallas waits to speak to the Beverly Ridge Lions Club luncheon in 2002 at Beverly Woods Restaurant at 116th Street and Western Avenue.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral Candidate Paul Vallas talks to community members at the Pullman Community Center on March 18, 2023 in Woodlawn.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas walks across the stage after attending a public safety mayoral forum with his opponent Brandon Johnson at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas arrives before accepting an endorsement from dozens of Black clergy leaders, March 19, 2023, at Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Auburn Gresham.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Paul Vallas attends a mayoral candidate forum hosted by the 38th Ward Democratic Organization at the Copernicus Center on Dec. 13, 2022.

E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas tries Harold's Chicken with Ja'Mal Green at the Harold's 87th Street location on Feb. 18, 2019.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, center left, and mayoral candidate Paul Vallas shake hands after Tunney's endorsement in the 1000 block of West Addison Street on Feb. 1, 2023, in Chicago.

John Lee, Chicago Tribune

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paul Vallas, right, answers questions during a phone interview, as one of his aides sits nearby on the bus during last-minute campaign stops in 2002.

Chuck Berman, Chicago Tribune

Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas holds a school hat and sweatshirt during an assembly in 1999 in the James Shields Elementary School auditorium.

Bonnie Trafelet, Chicago Tribune

Chicago Public Schools Board President Gery Chico, left, and Chief Executive Officer Paul Vallas listen to a conference call in 1998 with Vice President Al Gore and U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley discussing President Bill Clinton's proposal to modernize schools for the 21st century.

John Lee/Chicago Tribune

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Paul Vallas, center, officially concedes the primary election in 2002 to Rod Blagojevich while standing in the kitchen at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church.

Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune

Former mayoral candidate Ja'Mal Green, right, endorses Paul Vallas at the Vallas campaign office in Chicago, March 15, 2023.

E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune

Former U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush announces his endorsement of Paul Vallas for mayor of Chicago, during a press conference at Beloved Community Christian Church of God in Christ in the Bronzeville neighborhood on March 21, 2023.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks to voters on Feb. 26, 2023, at Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna in Lincoln Square.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

A day after Election Day, Paul Vallas greets supporters outside the Thompson Center on March. 1, 2023. Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson and Vallas will face off in the April 4 runoff to become Chicago's next mayor.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Kim Bowman poses with mayoral candidate Paul Vallas at a Women for Vallas luncheon on Feb. 7, 2023, at Gibsons Italia in Chicago.

Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune

Paul Vallas at a board of trustees meeting at Chicago State University on March 27, 2017.

E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas on Jan. 15, 2019.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks to voters on Feb. 26, 2023, as he campaigns for mayor at Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna in Lincoln Square.

Eileen T. Meslar / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas, right, hugs the incoming chairman of the Latino Leadership Council, David Andalcio, during the LLC's endorsement of him at Vallas campaign headquarters on March 20, 2023.

Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidates Paul Vallas, from left, Willie Wilson, Toni Preckwinkle, Bill Daley and Susana Mendoza prepare for a live forum at WTTW-Ch. 11 in 2019.

Milbert O. Brown, Chicago Tribune

The Rev. James Meeks, left, pastor at the Salem Baptist Church, talks with Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas in 1999 outside Fenger High School following a news conference about shootings the day before.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, center, walks through a hallway after attending a mayoral forum hosted by WGN News at Steinmetz College Prep on Jan. 31, 2023.

E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune

Ald. Roderick Sawyer, right, announces his endorsement of mayoral candidate Paul Vallas at Vallas campaign headquarters, March 6, 2023.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Supporters listen to mayoral candidate Paul Vallas during his election night gathering at City Hall Events on Feb. 28, 2023, in Chicago's West Loop.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks to a reporter Feb. 19, 2023, as he departs the Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast at St. John Fisher Elementary School in Beverly.

Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune

Beth Boatman, left, chief information officer for Chicago, Paul Vallas, center, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, and Richard Monocchio, chief of staff at the Chicago Department of Aviation, talk about a few Y2K problems on Jan. 2, 2000.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas greets supporters at the Thompson Center plaza, March. 1, 2023.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas greets attendees during the South Side Irish Parade, March 12, 2023, in Chicago.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Longtime former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, left, and mayoral candidate Paul Vallas exit after White announced his endorsement, March 2, 2023, in Chicago.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas walks to a press conference after attending a mayoral debate with opponent Brandon Johnson at the WGN television studios, March 21, 2023, in Chicago.

Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune

Candidates Toni Preckwinkle and Paul Vallas talk during a break in a mayoral forum in Chicago on Feb. 6, 2019.

John Lee/Chicago Tribune

Democratic governor candidate Paul Vallas pours coffee from his cup to keep from being scalded at a campaign stop in Blue Island.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidates Paul Vallas, left, and Ja'Mal Green greet each other during a fellowship hour before a town hall at Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St., on Feb. 3, 2023, in Chicago.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

State Rep. Kam Buckner, from left, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Mayor Lori Lightfoot during a mayoral candidate forum on Feb. 8, 2023, at UIC.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas speaks with supporters after forcing a mayoral runoff election on Feb. 28, 2023.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

A campaign staffer hands out yard signs while mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks to voters at Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna in Lincoln Square.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral Candidate Paul Vallas, right, exits the Pullman Community Center with Ja'Mal Green on March 18, 2023 in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago.

Eileen T. Meslar / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas speaks about public safety at his campaign headquarters on March 17, 2023.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas is endorsed by former Principal and CEO of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Joyce Kenner during a press conference at the Vallas campaign headquarters on March 7, 2023 in the West Loop.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas at campaign headquarters on March 7, 2023, in the West Loop.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas gives an interview about his education administration experience and record at his campaign office in the 300 block of South Jefferson Street on Feb. 16, 2023, in Chicago.

Alex Garcia/Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago schools chief Paul Vallas, left, greets Gery Chico in 2010 before endorsing Chicago for mayor outside the Jose Clemente Orozco Community Academy in Pilsen.

Chuck Berman, Chicago Tribune

Michael Johnson, left, Board of Education special projects manager, wrestles with and eventually dumps his boss, CEO Paul Vallas, in the chilly waters of Lake Michigan in 2001. About 200 people jumped into the lake at North Avenue Beach in the first Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago.

Dianne Brogan, for the Tribune

Paul Vallas with John H. Stroger in 2001 at the Living Legends, Passing the Torch Ceremony at the DuSable Museum of African American History.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidates Paul Vallas, left, and Brandon Johnson talk before a women's mayoral forum, hosted by the Chicago Women Take Action Alliance, at the Chicago Temple in the Loop, March 11, 2023.

Stephanie Sinclair, Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks in 2001 about his plan to explore running for governor.

Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidates Paul Vallas prepares to debate fellow candidate Brandon Johnson at a mayoral forum at WFLD Fox Chicago studios in Chicago on March 22, 2023.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas thanks voters outside the Thompson Center on March. 1, 2023.

Eileen T. Meslar / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas speaks at a press conference focusing on public safety at his campaign headquarters on March 17, 2023.

Nancy Stone, Chicago Tribune

Paul Vallas goes over his opening address in a holding room at University of Illinois at Chicago in 2002 before a debate with two of his opponents. With Vallas are Brendan Reilly communications director, left, and Tim Spreitzer, assistant policy director.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas speaks at a Women for Vallas luncheon on Feb. 7, 2023, at Gibsons Italia restaurant in Chicago.

Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune

Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas from left, Mayor Richard M. Daley and Ald. Robert Shaw leave Southside College Preparatory Academy on Sept. 3, 1997 after announcing a community service mandate for high schoolers.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas with supporters at his election night party at City Hall Events, Feb. 28, 2023, in Chicago's West Loop.

Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidates Toni Preckwinkle, from left, Paul Vallas and Willie Wilson, say goodbye following a mayoral forum at the Chicago Sun-Times office on Jan. 17, 2019.

Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune

Paul Vallas greets Thelma Johnson-Alexander as he attends a board of trustees meeting at Chicago State University on March 27, 2017.

Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

Candidate for Chicago mayor Paul Vallas bows his head in prayer during a service at New Christian Joy MB Church on Feb. 24, 2019.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks to voters at Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna in Lincoln Square.

Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune

Candidate Paul Vallas delivers his stack of nominating signatures for mayor on Nov. 21, 2022, in Chicago.

Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas has a hearty laugh as 44th ward alderman Tom Tunney speaks during an event where LGBTQ allies hosted Vallas at Barcocina in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, March 23, 2023.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas talks to customers during a meet-and-greet at Ann Sather restaurant on Feb. 25, 2023, in Lakeview.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas attend a public safety mayoral forum at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas marches Jan. 29, 2023, during the Lunar New Year Parade through Chinatown.

Michael Blackshire / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas shakes hands with a Chicago police officer at the Columbus Day parade on Oct. 10, 2022.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidates activist Ja'Mal Green, left, and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talk during a mayoral forum hosted by WGN News at Steinmetz College Prep on Jan. 31, 2023.

Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune

Gov. Pat Quinn, right, talks with reporters as lieutenant governor candidate Paul Vallas stands with him following a meeting with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on Sept. 9, 2014.

John Lee/Chicago Tribune

Philadelphia public schools CEO Paul Vallas leaves Beeber Middle School in Philadelphia in 2003 after an event with first lady Laura Bush.

Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune

Gubernatorial candidate Paul Vallas greets a supporter in 2002 on a campaign stop at Trinity United Church of Christ.

E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, shown May 31, 2022, announced he is again running for Chicago mayor.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks to voters on Feb. 26, 2023, at Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna in Lincoln Square.

Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune

Former state Senate President Emil Jones, center left, embraces Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas at Josephine's Southern Cooking on East 79th Street in Chicago on March 16, 2023. Vallas was endorsed by Jones and several Chicago City Council members.

Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, left, shakes hands with Paul Vallas on March 8, 2023, after Vallas received Wilson's endorsement in the upcoming runoff election against Brandon Johnson.

Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune

Democratic candidate for governor Paul Vallas announces the support of Chicago firefighters in 2002 at a news conference outside a downtown fire station.

Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidates Paul Vallas, left, and Brandon Johnson prepare for the WMAQ-Ch. 5 and Telemundo debate on March 8, 2023.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas greets people on Feb. 19, 2023, as he departs the Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast at St. John Fisher Elementary School in Beverly.

Charles Cherney, Chicago Tribune

Paul Vallas chats with Linda Wrightsell, his secretary for six years, as he packs up his office on June 27, 2001, his final day as Chicago Public Schools CEO.

Todd Panagopoulos, Chicago Tribune

Paul Vallas listens as Shacarra Westbrooks whispers a question during the news conference in 1998 to announce a new literacy program called Freedom Readers.

Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas during a news conference where he officially announced he is running for mayor on May 2, 2018.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Pauls Vallas supporters eat breakfast during a meet-and-greet at Ann Sather restaurant on Feb. 25, 2023, in Lakeview.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Supporters of mayoral candidate Paul Vallas pose at a Women for Vallas luncheon on Feb. 7, 2023, at Gibsons Italia restaurant.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas enters a mayoral candidate forum on Feb. 8, 2023, at the University of Illinois at Chicago Student Center.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas talks to voters on Feb. 26, 2023, at Barba Yianni Grecian Taverna.

Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas answers questions after the first debate with opponent Brandon Johnson on March 8, 2023, at the WMAQ-Ch. 5 studio.

John Lee, Chicago Tribune

Democratic gubernatorial candidates Paul Vallas, left, and Rod Blagojevich listen to opponent Roland Burris during a two-hour meeting with the Tribune Editorial Board in 2002.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas talks to customers during a meet-and-greet at Ann Sather restaurant on Feb. 25, 2023, in Lakeview.

John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas during an interview at his campaign office on Feb. 16, 2023, in Chicago.

Carl Wagner, Chicago Tribune

Chicago Schools CEO Paul Vallas acknowledges applause in 2001 during his last school board meeting.

Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune

Mayoral candidate and former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas laughs while businessman Willie Wilson speaks at an endorsement announcement with dozens of Black clergy leaders, March 19, 2023, at Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Auburn Gresham.

Shanna Madison / Chicago Tribune

Former Principal and CEO of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School Joyce Kenner endorses Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas during a press conference at the Vallas campaign headquarters on March 7, 2023 in the West Loop.

Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune

Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas answers questions during a forum at The Hideout in Chicago on Feb. 23, 2023.

Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas speaks with supporters at his election night gathering at City Hall Events on Feb. 28, 2023, in Chicago's West Loop.