CHICAGO (WLS) — A significant shift is underway in the composition of Illinois’ congressional delegation.

According to sources from ABC7, Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, who currently serves Illinois’ 4th Congressional District, has decided not to seek another term in 2026. This announcement coincides with his chief of staff submitting her petitions to run for his soon-to-be-vacant seat just before the deadline on Monday at 5 p.m.

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Patty Garcia, who shares no relation with the congressman, was promoted to chief of staff in 2023 following her tenure as his district director since 2019. Her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 4th District now stands unopposed, paving a clear path to Congress in 2026.

This development effectively sidelines a competitive race for the Democratic nomination, a move critics describe as a “coronation,” reminiscent of traditional Chicago political practices.

The Illinois State Board of Elections had previously received Congressman García’s petitions to run on October 27. Sources confirm he intends to fulfill his current term.

With this latest decision, there are now five congressional seats and one Senate race open for contenders in the upcoming March 17 primary.

In the 2nd Congressional District, Rep. Robin Kelly is stepping down to run for Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat; Rep. Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement in the 9th District; longtime Rep. Danny Davis is retiring from the 7th District; and in the 8th District, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi will run for Senate.

ABC7 could not reach Rep. García for comment on Monday.

The last-minute decision drew some jeers, including a blistering statement from the Urban Center, a centrist nonprofit dedicated to a “common sense” agenda for families and economic development.

“Shame on Congressman Chuy García who built a reputation by casting himself as a reformer and man of the people only to throw it away. This will be his legacy,” a statement from the Urban Center reads, in part.

Rep. García is 69 and served as Chicago alderman, Cook County commissioner and state senator. He was also a two-time mayoral candidate.

He took over the 4th District from then-Rep. Luis Gutierrez in 2018, when he suddenly announced his resignation.