Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Karen Lewis, who is considering a mayoral bid, contributed $40,000 of her own money to her campaign fund, Illinois State Board of Elections records show.

Lewis established a political committee last month so she can pull in funds as she considers a possible run for Chicago mayor. Thus far, Lewis' political fund has raised $43,000, including her $40,000 donation.

"It's a sign that I'm trying to raise money," Lewis said of her campaign contribution, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. "People have to see that we're trying to raise money now. We have to do all kinds of other things." 

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, meanwhile, has more than $8 million in his re-election war chest.