Chicago

Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas Officially Files to Run for Mayor

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas officially filed to run for mayor on Monday, creating a campaign committee to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Vallas filed to create the "Paul Vallas for Chicago" political committee, Illinois State Board of Elections records show.

The former CPS chief announced his campaign on Wednesday, saying on Twitter, "I am in it to win."

Vallas headed Chicago schools from 1995 to 2001 and has served as superintendent for multiple other school districts in New Orleans; Bridgeport, Conn.; and Philadelphia.

He also ran for Illinois governor in 2002, losing in the Democratic primary to now-disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Vallas later ran for lieutenant governor with Pat Quinn and lost in 2014.

In February, his youngest son Mark died at a substance abuse facility, and Vallas has not spoken publicly since.

In his official filing, Vallas named his brother Dean Vallas as treasurer of his campaign, and Marilyn Johnson as chair.

Vallas joined a growing list of candidates looking to take on Emanuel, including former Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy, businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson and former CPS principal Troy LaRaviere.

Others rumored to be considering a mayoral campaign include: Ald. Scott Waugespack, former lieutenant governor candidate Ra Joy, Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, attorney Lori Lightfoot, activist Amara Enyia and tech entrepreneur Neal Sales-Griffin.

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