CTU President Stacy Davis Gates Taking Temporary Medical Leave

Union Vice President Jackson Potter to provide leadership during absence

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Chicago Teachers Union President Stacey Davis Gates will be stepping away from her duties and going on a temporary medical leave, the union announced on Wednesday. Details about the medical leave were not released, but a spokesperson for the union said her leave was "planned and anticipated." While away, Vice President Jackson Potter and other officers will step in and provide leadership during her absence.

Why it matters

Davis Gates has served as the union's president since 2022, replacing former VP turned president Jesse Sharkey. She was also recently named president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, a role she will be relinquishing during her leave.

The details

A CTU spokesperson said that Davis Gates will be going on a "planned and anticipated" temporary medical leave. Details about the medical leave were not released.

  • On Wednesday, the Chicago Teachers Union announced that Davis Gates will be taking a temporary medical leave.

The players

Stacy Davis Gates

The president of the Chicago Teachers Union since 2022, who is also the recently named president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Jackson Potter

The vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union, who will step in to provide leadership during Davis Gates' absence.

Jesse Sharkey

The former vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union who became president prior to Davis Gates.

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The takeaway

The temporary medical leave of the Chicago Teachers Union president highlights the importance of succession planning and leadership transitions within powerful labor organizations like the CTU, which plays a key role in shaping education policy in the city.