The political landscape in Illinois is shifting yet again with the announcement that Congressman Chuy Garcia will not pursue another term in office next year.

This adds to a growing list of five congressional seats in Illinois that will soon be open as current officeholders either step down or shift their political aspirations. Additionally, a senate seat is also in contention.

In a surprising development, sources have confirmed to ABC7 that Representative Chuy Garcia will not be running in the 2026 election, choosing instead to conclude his current term.

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Garcia has strategically planned for his departure, designating his Chief of Staff, Patty Garcia, to potentially take over his role, indicating a well-thought-out transition.

“This decision was likely not made overnight, as Patty Garcia is already prepared to submit her candidacy,” noted ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington. “It seems to be a personal choice for him to step down, possibly for family-related reasons.”

Throughout his career, Congressman Garcia has held various positions, including alderman, Cook County commissioner, and state senator, and he has also made two unsuccessful bids for the mayoralty of Chicago.

SEE ALSO: Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García will not seek reelection, sources say; chief of staff files to run for seat

Patty Garcia became his chief of staff in 2023 after serving as his district director since 2019.

She is now the only choice for the Democratic nomination in the 4th Congressional District after submitting paperwork right before Monday’s 5 p.m. filing deadline.

“She’s well known on Capitol Hill because she’s been working for him in several different roles in his office for many years,” Washington said. “She also has a deep background in public policy, education policy. She has a PhD in education so that’s something that I think that might inform her work. She doesn’t have any elected experience or legislative experience . She’s going to be pretty green on that side of the aisle.”

The last minute move drew sharp criticism, including from Alderman Ray Lopez of the 15th Ward, who has previously challenged Representative Garcia for the 4th Congressional District

“If we had know sooner like we saw in other congressional districts, I might have entertained that, but unfortunately that is a mute point,” Lopez said. “For someone who says he was above machine politics, someone who said he was about progressive, inclusive politics …to pull this maneuver that short circuit the democratic process is hypocritical at best and disgusting at worst.”

This means there are now five open congressional seats for next year’s primary.

In the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly is stepping down to run for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s seat.

Raja Krisnamoorthi is doing the same in the 8th District.

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement in the 9th District. Congressman Danny Davis is doing the same in the 7th District.