Overview
- Illinois State Board of Elections records show Patty Garcia, the congressman’s chief of staff and no relation, filed her candidacy at the 5 p.m. deadline on Monday.
- Multiple outlets, citing sources, report Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García is expected to withdraw his petitions and back his aide, effectively clearing the Democratic field.
- García filed for reelection on Oct. 27 and has served the 4th District since 2019, with no official comment yet from his campaign or congressional office.
- Republican Lupe Castillo and Working Class Party candidate Ed Hershey also filed for the seat on Monday, according to state election records.
- Petitions now move to the normal objection and verification process, with the March 17, 2026 primary ahead and ballot certification slated for Jan. 8.