U.S. Rep Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia Won't Seek Illinois 4th District Reelection

U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García of Illinois announced he will not seek reelection to his 4th Congressional District seat, a position he has held since 2019. Instead, his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, filed to run for the seat, effectively taking over the candidacy in the heavily Democratic district. This move follows a pattern of open congressional seats in Illinois, with several incumbents, including Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly, Jan Schakowsky, and Danny Davis, also leaving their posts or running for other offices. Chuy Garcia, 69, has a long political history in Chicago and Illinois, including serving as an alderman, state senator, and Cook County commissioner, as well as two unsuccessful mayoral campaigns. Patty Garcia, unrelated to the congressman, has been his close aide since 2019 and became his chief of staff in 2023. The upcoming primary to fill the 4th District seat is set for March 17, 2026, with no other Democrats able to enter the race following the filing deadline.