Former Philly Schools CEO Paul Vallas running for mayor of Chicago
Paul Vallas is shown meeting with potential voters during his failed 2014 campaign to be Illinois' Lt Governor. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)
Former Philadelphia Schools chief executive officer Paul Vallas is running for mayor in Chicago.
Vallas is no stranger to Chicago, he served as the city’s budget director and was also once the CEO of the Chicago Public Schools.
Vallas on Wednesday blasted Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel as a “bully” and said “people don’t like the mayor.” He said he’ll bring change and experienced leadership to a city that’s “in deep trouble.”
Emanuel campaign spokesman Pete Giangreco says Vallas has a record of “fiscal disaster” and wherever Vallas goes “he leaves a mess behind him.”
The 64-year-old, Vallas, ran unsuccessfully for Illinois governor in 2002 and lieutenant governor in 2014. He led CPS from 1995 to 2001 and later was superintendent in Philadelphia, New Orleans and Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Other candidates running in the February 2019 election include ex-police superintendent Garry McCarthy and Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, who entered the race amid a federal bribes-for-jobs investigation.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Detroit-based Brilliant Cities to bring early childhood education and tutoring to Philly in 2025
The nonprofit helps children’s learning experience by providing free meals, health services and tutors.
2 days ago
Pennsylvania’s new teacher of the year aimed to be a representative for Black educators
“I’ve poured my heart into this profession," said Leon Smith, a social studies teacher in Delaware County and the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.
3 days ago
Philly charter school celebrates new space for vocational training: ‘It’s only up from here’
YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is breathing new life into an old PECO building.
4 days ago
Listen 1:07