The announcement of “Chuy” Garcia's early retirement as representative for Illinois' 4th Congressional District, but above all the way in which he designated his successor, reached the House of Representatives, where it approved a resolution demanding condemnation of his actions, as he prevented an open election process from taking place. On October 27, the 69-year-old politician, born in Durango, Mexico, submitted his application for reelection, but a month later announced his intention to retire at the end of his term. His arguments were that his cardiologist recommended he reduces his work pace for health reasons; Meanwhile, his wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, asked him not to run for reelection and instead dedicate himself to caring for his eight-year-old grandson, who was orphaned after the death of his daughter Rosa in 2023. Up to that point, everything seemed normal, but the action of ensuring that his chief of staff would be the only candidate on the Democratic primary ballot in the race to succeed him was seen by his own party members as a blow to the democratic principles that aim for “free and fair election processes.” Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, representative for Washington, considered that Garcia acted inappropriately by closing the door for other politicians to run for his seat, which is very advantageous. “His actions are inconsistent with the spirit of the Constitution and undermine the process of free and fair elections,” she stated. This stance reveals a division within the Democratic Party, since Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader, had previously endorsed “Chuy” Garcia.

“I do not support this so-called resolution of censure. And I strongly support Congressman Chuy Garcia. He has been a champion of progress in underserved communities for decades, including during his time in Congress, and has improved the lives of the American people,” he said.

It should be noted that “Chuy” Garcia's career in American politics began in the Chicago City Council when he was elected councilman in 1986.

Last week,the Congressional Hispanic Caucus also endorsed his decision to retire.

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