Illinois congressman forgoes reelection with eyebrow-raising move to place chief of staff on ballot

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia announced Thursday he will not seek a fifth term in Congress, following a controversial behind-the-scenes effort to position his chief of staff as his replacement on the March primary ballot.

The 69-year-old progressive Democrat, who has championed immigrant rights throughout his political career, becomes the fifth U.S. representative from Illinois to forgo reelection in 2026. This creates an unprecedented number of open congressional seats in the state, all in districts considered safely Democratic.

Garcia’s departure comes amid unusual circumstances that have raised eyebrows in political circles. The congressman submitted his nominating petitions on October 27, the first day of the Illinois State Board of Elections filing period. However, just one week later, his chief of staff, Patty Garcia (no relation), filed her own petitions after a rushed weekend effort to gather the required 2,500 signatures.

The timing was particularly notable — Patty Garcia submitted her paperwork at 5 p.m. on the final filing day, effectively preventing any other Democratic candidates from entering the race. This maneuver has drawn criticism as an example of Chicago-style politics, with the congressman essentially handpicking his successor.

Garcia acknowledged these concerns in an interview with The Associated Press. “I totally get why some people have come to that conclusion. I found myself in a very difficult position. I had to scramble,” he explained.

According to Garcia, his decision to step down stems from multiple personal challenges that culminated during what he called the “most stressful” week of his life. His wife, who has multiple sclerosis, experienced a medical setback and asked him not to run again. Simultaneously, his cardiologist raised concerns about his heart health, advising him to “find something else to do.”

Adding to these health concerns, Garcia and his wife recently finalized the adoption of their 8-year-old grandson. The couple has been raising their grandchildren following the death of their daughter, Rosa, in 2023.

“It was a hell of a week,” Garcia told the AP. He confirmed he will withdraw his petitions but intends to serve out his current term, which ends in January 2027.

This situation evokes a sense of déjà vu for many observers of Illinois politics. Garcia himself was first elected to Congress in 2018 under similar circumstances when his predecessor, former U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, announced his retirement in the final days of the 2017 filing period and immediately endorsed Garcia, then a Cook County commissioner.

Born in Mexico, Garcia immigrated to the United States as a child. His political career began as a college activist organizing sit-ins to establish a Latino cultural center. He later founded community groups and served as a water commissioner under Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black mayor.

Throughout his career, Garcia has maintained strong support in his district, which encompasses predominantly Latino and immigrant neighborhoods. His trademark mustache has become something of a political signature in Chicago, where he has twice mounted unsuccessful campaigns for mayor.

In Congress, Garcia has focused on immigration reform and community development, recently advocating for changes at a suburban Chicago immigration processing center. He has highlighted securing more than $50 million in funding for his district, supporting projects ranging from school programs and library expansions to flood control initiatives and healthcare services for low-income residents.

Patty Garcia, 40, has worked for the congressman since he took office but has not responded to requests for comment about her candidacy.

Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, Garcia expressed optimism about the coming changes in Illinois’ congressional delegation. “I think we need new blood, new energy in Congress,” he said.

In addition to Garcia, four other Illinois representatives will not seek reelection next year. U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Danny Davis are retiring, while Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly are running for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin.

Garcia emphasized that while he’s stepping back from elected office, he plans to remain active in public life. “I am not stepping out. I am stepping back,” he said. “This doesn’t mean that I will disappear or cease to be active. I intend to be a mentor, someone who shares the history and struggles.”