East Chicago School Board, District 1 (Lake County)

What this office does

Governs the local public school district. Sets the school budget and local school taxes, hires and oversees the superintendent, and approves curriculum, school calendars and policies.

Candidates

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Lake County ballots

• Calumet Township Assessor, Lake County
• Calumet Township Board Member, Lake County
• Calumet Township Trustee, Lake County
• Cedar Creek Township Board Member, Lake County
• Cedar Creek Township Trustee, Lake County
• Center Township Assessor, Lake County
• Center Township Board Member, Lake County
• Center Township Trustee, Lake County
• Eagle Creek Township Board Member, Lake County
• Eagle Creek Township Trustee, Lake County
• Hanover Township Board Member, Lake County
• Hanover Township Trustee, Lake County
• Hobart Township Assessor, Lake County
• Hobart Township Board Member, Lake County
• Hobart Township Trustee, Lake County
• North Township Board Member, Lake County

All Lake County races and measures →

Quick answers

What are the results so far?

Unofficial count as of Nov 7, 10:22 a.m. ET, with 4,831 of 5,067 precincts reporting: JOEL RODRIGUEZ (Democrat) 627 (42.6%), JOSE ARTEAGA (Democrat) 506 (34.4%), JESUS LUIS ORTIZ, III (Democrat) 339 (23.0%). From the official election results site (enr.indianavoters.in.gov). SpectrumVote doesn't call races; results are official only once the state certifies them.

Who is running for East Chicago School Board, District 1 (Lake County) in 2026?

Jose Arteaga (Democrat), Jesus Luis Ortiz, Iii (Democrat) and Joel Rodriguez (Democrat).

What does this office do?

Governs the local public school district. Sets the school budget and local school taxes, hires and oversees the superintendent, and approves curriculum, school calendars and policies.

Who should I vote for in the East Chicago School Board, District 1 (Lake County) race?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.

When is the election?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.