CHICAGO (February 12) – IPACE, the Illinois Political Action Committee for Education Association, concurred with the recommendation of the local PAC to endorse Dilara Sayeed in the Democratic primary for 5th District State Representative.

“During her candidate interview, Dilara expressed a strong commitment to funding K-12 education as well a promise to invest in higher education. She supports labor on the need to protect collective bargaining rights and would vote to enact a progressive income tax that matches our goals for public education in Illinois,” said Kathi Griffin, IEA President.

“My work as a teacher will be an asset to the people of the 5th District and the state of Illinois, because education is crucial to creating strong jobs and careers, safer streets and thriving communities,” states Dilara Sayeed. “The IEA understands and believes in my commitment to education, and I proudly accept their endorsement.”  

“This endorsement is particularly important to me because IEA is my union. Both my parents were union members and our family was able to build a life because of it.”

IPACE joins a group of progressive organizations and elected officials supporting  Dilara Sayeed including the Sierra Club, Huddle in the Loop, Chairman of the Aldermanic Black Caucus Rod Sawyer, State Representatives Theresa Mah and Will Guzzardi, Congressmen Keith Ellison and Raja Krishnamoorthi, and former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun. 

Sayeed states, “Our ultimate endorsement will come from the voters, and we are enjoying working with, and listening to them every day.” 

The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest education employee’s organization. IEA represents preK-12 teachers outside of the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.