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CHICAGO (WLS) — In an exclusive conversation with ABC7 Chicago, Representative Jesús “Chuy” García shared his reasons for stepping down from his position in Illinois’ 4th Congressional District and introduced his chief of staff as his preferred successor.
The move has sparked controversy, with critics accusing García of orchestrating a political maneuver by paving the way for his chief of staff to inherit his seat, despite announcing his intention not to seek reelection.
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García addressed these allegations, saying, “I’m concerned about being compared to a figure like Donald Trump, with accusations of acting like a king who anoints successors.”
He defended his decision, explaining that it was dictated by personal and family needs rather than political machinations typical of Chicago’s political landscape.
The 69-year-old congressman cited health advice from his cardiologist and his wife’s battle with multiple sclerosis as key factors in his decision to retire.
“I could see her pain and concern for our future,” García shared. “She expressed a need for me to be home, alive and well, which was a deeply emotional appeal for me.”
García filed petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections to run for his 4th Congressional District seat on October 27, but his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, who is not related to him, filed her petitions ahead of Monday’s deadline for filing. The congressman says he struggled with the decision.
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“I’ve been contested. I’ve been challenged every race that I’ve had, so anyone could have filed and run for this office as they did two years ago four years ago, six years ago,” García said.
García has been a mainstay in Chicago politics for four decades. He’s served as an alderman, a Cook County commissioner, state senator and was a two-time mayoral candidate.
García is the deputy whip of the congressional Progressive Caucus and has represented the 4th District since 2019. He’s been reelected three times.
Alderman Mike Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward is part of García’s coalition and might have been considered to run for García’s seat.
“The best candidate, the only candidate that anyone should be looking right now is Dr. Patty Garcia,” Ald. Rodriguez said. “She’s amazing.”
Born in Mexico, “Chuy” García came to Chicago in the 1960s, eventually living in the city’s Little Village neighborhood. He became politically active in the coalition of then Mayor Harold Washington.
García remains sentimental about his legacy.
“All this reminded me of the loss of our daughter and the children arriving, and the strength that they gave us,” García said. “During this time, we discovered what life is all about and how you make a difference. I really want to cherish my family.”
The congressman’s decision is the latest in Illinois politics this year, with five open congressional seats and an open senate race for the March primary.
The congressman has until January 8 to withdraw his petitions. That’s the day the Illinois State Board of Elections certifies the March 17 ballot. So far, that hasn’t happened yet.
