The head of one of Illinois’ largest unions says that its investment in the Chicago city council races has paid off.

The  Service Employees International Union in Chicago didn’t endorse anyone for mayor. But just like the last municipal race four years ago, the union did play a role.
“Our strategy was to play in alderman races, when we looked at the mayor’s race to stay out and to play in the alderman race with the hope of building a progressive caucus. So from our strategy, it’s worked very well so far,” said union head Tom Balanoff.

Balanoff said about two-thirds of the candidates elected on Tuesday pledged to be in that caucus. Several SEIU-backed aldermanic contenders are now in run-offs. Balanoff said the union poured about $750,000 into the races.