Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Byron Sigcho-Lopez Launches Independent Bid for Illinois4th District

The Pilsen alderman is bypassing the Democratic primary after Chuy Garcia’s last-minute retirement left his chief of staff as the only party candidate.

Overview

  • Sigcho-Lopez framed the run as a challenge to the local establishment and accused Chuy Garcia and Patty Garcia of engineering a backroom plan to limit competition, while Chuy Garcia has said medical advice prompted his late decision.
  • The U.S. House voted 238-186 to formally rebuke Chuy Garcia over the succession maneuver, with more than 20 Democrats joining Republicans.
  • To qualify for the November ballot, Sigcho-Lopez must gather at least 10,816 signatures between Feb. 25 and the May 26 filing deadline, compared with the 697 signatures Patty Garcia needed to enter the Democratic primary.
  • Sigcho-Lopez’s platform calls for abolishing ICE, pursuing prosecutions of federal immigration agents in recent shooting cases, enacting Medicare for All, expanding mental health services, and ending tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.
  • Mayra Macías also plans an independent bid and criticized Patty Garcia for not filing required financial disclosures, citing a Politico report, and Patty Garcia’s campaign did not immediately comment.