This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available. Last updated Feb. 5 at 4:00 a.m.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers endorsed Mayor Daniel Biss in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District race Thursday, adding to Biss’ repertoire of statewide and Chicago-area union supporters. 

IFT also announced that it would endorse Democrats Patrick Hanley for State Senate and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton for U.S. Senate.

The federation, which represents educators, public employees and retirees across the state, boasts over 100,000 members. According to its website, IFT backs legislation guaranteeing “high-quality public schools” and provides Illinois students with a “world class education” while supporting its members’ professions and bargaining rights. 

Since 2010, IFT has spent $46.1 million on political committees, according to Illinois Policy Institute. In 2024 alone, its political spending reached $4.5 million.

IFT is not the only union to support Biss. He clinched the coveted Illinois AFL-CIO endorsement last December and has garnered the support of Illinois’ SEIU State Council along with eleven other labor unions based in the Chicago area and the greater Midwest region, according to his campaign website.

U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Chicago) and Illinois House Majority Leader and State Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) have also recently endorsed Biss, joining the likes of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston), U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and other state and national elected leaders who have declared their support.

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