Politics & Government
Rep. Chuy Garcia Faces Criticism For Surprise Decision Not To Run Again, Setting Up Top Aide As Likely Successor
In an interview with Capitol Fax, Congressman Garcia said last Monday his cardiologist recommended that he not run.
November 5, 2025
U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia (D-Illinois) is facing backlash over his last-minute decision not to run for another term in 2026, a move that helped open an obvious path for his chief of staff to replace him.
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While the congressman filed nominating petitions on Oct. 27 to run for re-election, his chief of staff, Patty Garcia (no relation to the congressman), filed her own nominating petitions at the deadline on Monday evening, and sources confirmed Garcia plans to withdraw his own petitions, leaving his top aide as the only Democrat running in the upcoming primary.
In an interview with Capitol Fax, Congressman Garcia said last Monday his cardiologist recommended that he not run. Garcia said he's been bad about exercise and physical therapy.
