Rep. Jesús ‘Chuy’ García discusses decision to not run for reelection: ‘Want to cherish my family’

CHICAGO (WLS) — Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García sat down with ABC7 Chicago to discuss his decision not to run for reelection to Illinois’ 4th Congressional District and quickly anoint his chief of staff.

The congressman seems to be embroiled in controversy. His critics are now accusing him of playing politics after he announced he wouldn’t seek reelection, but appeared to left in place a plan to make sure his chief of staff took over his seat.

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“I’m concerned about me being portrayed as a king and someone anointing, like Donald Trump,” García said.

The lawmaker defended his last-minute controversial decision, saying the timing was result of family obligations and not the Chicago political machine at play.

The 69-year old says he’s stepping aside because of advice he received from his cardiologist. García also cited his wife’s fight against MS.

“I knew that she was hurting,” García said. “I knew that she was worried about the future and that she told me I need you home soon and I need you home alive. That was gut wrenching.”

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.”

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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.