Overview
- Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García confirmed he will not seek a fifth term and said he will withdraw his own petitions while serving out his current term.
- After García’s early filing, Patty Garcia submitted petitions at 5 p.m. on the final day, effectively blocking any other Democrat from entering the primary, and her FEC committee was filed this week.
- García acknowledged criticism of the move as fair, and Ald. Byron Sigcho‑Lopez said he is exploring an independent bid, with an independent filing deadline of May 26.
- Patty Garcia, 40, is García’s chief of staff and district director, has worked with the Latino Center for Leadership Development and NALEO, and is a lifelong resident of the district with roots in Cicero.
- Republican Lupe Castillo and Working Class Party candidate Ed Hershey have filed for the seat, and observers note potential redistricting or petition challenges could still alter the field.