Michael Bakalis holds a robust academic background, having earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from Northwestern University. He has held various leadership positions in education, including serving as assistant dean, dean, and college president. Bakalis has also served as Illinois State Superintendent of Education and Illinois Comptroller, showcasing his extensive experience in public service. He has contributed to national Democratic campaigns and currently teaches public and non-profit management at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Additionally, Bakalis is the founder, president, and CEO of American Quality Schools, an organization dedicated to operating charter schools.

Michael Bakalis consistently champions education, blending his extensive experience in public education with entrepreneurial ventures in charter schools. His ideological positioning is deeply rooted in Democratic principles, yet he exhibits a calculated pragmatism in aligning with opposing factions on certain issues, as seen in his nuanced stance on environmental regulations. Bakalis’s rhetorical style is rooted in a pragmatic approach to policy, often highlighting regional economic interests.