Chicago school board election 2026: Who are the candidates in District 3b?
Two men who both grew up in Humboldt Park, graduated from selective enrollment Chicago public high schools, and became teachers through Teach for America are facing off — again — in the race to represent a district that spans from West Town to Belmont Cragin.
Both candidates identify as progressives. Incumbent board member Carlos Rivas Jr. won in 2024 with 54% of the vote compared to Jason Dónes’ 46%. Rivas has taken a more fiscally conservative approach to the school budget than his opponent.
Rivas has support from the Service Employees International Union Illinois State Council, which represents thousands of CPS school support staff and has split politically with the teachers un…