* Rich interviewed Congressman Chuy Garcia this morning about his decision to not run for reelection…
Rich: When did you decide that you weren’t going to run again?
Garcia: Last week was one hell of a week for me. I filed on Monday, as you know, looking forward to another term, to win back the majority. I think we’ve got a shot. I know what it’s like to be in the majority, you can get stuff done. During the Biden years, we were able to do that. I got to Congress in the last two years of Trump’s first presidency and, of course, experienced the 35-day shutdown. I was sworn in during the shutdown. So a great point of reference, and I was looking for at least one more term to be able to do that, but life handed me quite a card, or a hand, I’m not much of a gambler, so I don’t know the terms.
On Monday, same day that Manny was out filing my petitions, I went to my cardiologist, and he told me that I’ve been a bad boy. While I take my medicine most of the time, I don’t go to physical therapy, I don’t exercise, and he said, ‘Why bother coming to see me if you’re going to f— around?’ He said, ‘I also recommend that as you clean up your act, you consider doing something else than being a member of Congress. Thank you for your great service,’ because he’s a pretty progressive Indian American fellow, but wanted me to cut the stuff out.
On Tuesday, as I was by the door saying goodbye to my lovely wife, she grabbed me and said, ‘I don’t want you to run for another term. And I told her, ‘Honey, I filed yesterday.’ She goes, ‘I know.’ I said, ‘We talked about this.’ She said, ‘I know.’ And then, you know, it got emotional.
Especially because my wife has been living with [multiple sclerosis] for 15 years. It’s a progressive, degenerative disease, and it starts to steal parts of you. It’s a debilitating disease. It affects everything in a person, and it’s been challenging. And two weeks ago, she had her six-month infusion, which usually gives her a great boost of energy and, you know, newfound abilities. It seems it didn’t have any effect. So we’re very concerned about that, because it’s probably a sign of her condition progressing, and that was real tough. And that’s when I flew to Washington, and I spent a couple of sleepless nights trying to figure out what to do.
And then on Friday, to cap off the week, we finalized, she and I, the adoption of an eight-year-old grandchild that lives with us, that we care for. So he’s now legally our son. He’s one of four.
You may recall that he became part of our family in an instant when my daughter died two and a half years ago and left four children, and they had all of a sudden ours, and you know, we’ve done our best. The kids are doing great. My son, by the way, in Minneapolis, adopted the nine-year-old—she’s 10 now, 10 years old. So both of them got adopted. I’ve got one grandchild who lives next door—our neighbors, guardian angels, are going to adopt him—and then the eldest, who’s in Indiana with an aunt. So, you know, we look out after them. And those were just really big factors in me deciding that I could not, in good conscience, do it again, and decided in Washington one of those nights that the only recourse we had was to look at an option. And that’s when I thought that we could try to get my chief, Patty Garcia, on the ballot.
My decision was based on love for my family, for my community, and for, you know, not just someone who talks about family values and fights for families, but being about it. My wife has been with me every step of the way. She was a precinct captain. At one time she went against all of the HDO big shots and kicked their asses. They would come to her precinct to try to intimidate and try to pull off stuff, and she set them straight. And at the end of the day, she showed them the tape, and they always got their ass handed to them.
So my wife, who, by the way, Saturday will have been married to me and tolerated me for 48 years, we’ve known each other for over 50 years, since we were kids. So this is very moving, and she’s been the rock, and I got to be there for her. I got to be there for my own health. And now I really get it, why I got to stay healthy. And then, of course, our grandchildren, because we’re all they got, and we’ve had to step up. My daughter was also adopted, the one that left us before. So it’s a very powerful force in our lives.
Rep. Garcia said petitions were printed on Friday night and circulated Saturday. His organization gathered 2,500 signatures over the weekend, he said. He said he was surprised the petition circulation didn’t spark any rumors.
* Rich asked about the criticism the announcement is receiving…
Rich: You obviously made the decision not to announce this early enough for other people to possibly go out there and pass petitions as well. Do you regret not doing that?
Garcia: I wish that the things that happened could have happened earlier, but this is my faith. This is how things unfolded, and I had to respond.
Rich: I will say there are some people out there who say you cheated them out of a choice.
Garcia: I respect their views. I can see why they would do that, but I think I followed the rules. I followed the filing calendar and of course, took time to reflect on making this choice, because it came as a shock to all of our supporters, it’s still shocking many of our allies. By weeks and my entire family, my two boys and my daughter in laws and some of my grandkids were begging me to come home, and I’m responding to that.
I also felt that somebody was going to file, because I’ve always been opposed. We didn’t know, for example, that the independent candidate, Hershey, had circulated. And, you know, we think we had pretty good intelligence, and I didn’t expect a Republican to run as well. So I was assuming that somebody would run, as they had in the past.
…Adding… Chicago Ald. Michael Rodriguez …
For more than 40 years, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García has dedicated his life to public service and the advancement of our communities. He’s shown us that true leadership means showing up, listening, and standing with our people.
As one of the few Latino voices in rooms where we were often absent, Chuy paved the way for others, including myself, to lead with purpose and carry forward progressive values.
His decision not to run for re-election was deeply personal and undoubtedly difficult. While some may feel disappointed or even frustrated by this news, we should remember that leadership also means knowing when to make space for new voices and new energy. After decades of tireless service, Chuy has more than earned the right to make this choice on his own terms.
Let us honor his legacy, one rooted in courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to community. His work has inspired generations of Latino and progressive leaders, and his impact will continue to shape our movement for years to come.
Thank you, Chuy, for your decades of leadership and for showing us what true public service looks like.
- DuPage Saint - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:24 pm:
Of course I know of him but not him. That was one of the most humanizing state I have heard from a politician in a long long time. May he enjoy his retirement and his family for years to come
- DarkestBeforeDawn - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:35 pm:
Prayers up for the Garcia family. He has given so much. We as a country should normalize passing the baton to younger generations when reaching retirement age.
- DarkestBeforeDawn - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:35 pm:
He *and his family, wife included, I should say, have given so much.
- Tom - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:37 pm:
I’m satisfied with his response… not that I had a problem with the way he went about putting his COS on the ballot. You play to win. Others whine. Prayers to him and his family.
- Garfield Ridge Guy - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:42 pm:
Ideally, García would be cast out of public life and routinely booed at every public or private appearance for the remainder of his life. What he did further threatens our democratic institutions, which rely on a presumption of good faith and fair play. Illinois is disgraced.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:48 pm:
==Illinois is disgraced. ==
Wow, talk about hyperbole. Maybe go outside and walk around a bit, you’ll feel better.
I believe Chuy’s explanation. After he filed, the implications of another election and term really hit home. There was an opportunity to put someone else he trusts on the ballot, and he took advantage of that. Best wishes to him and his family.
- Remember the Alamo II - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:57 pm:
=== Ideally, García would be cast out of public life and routinely booed at every public or private appearance for the remainder of his life. What he did further threatens our democratic institutions, which rely on a presumption of good faith and fair play. Illinois is disgraced. ===
That is a bad take. Cast out of public life and booed for the rest of his life? Illinois is disgraced? What is wrong with you?
- DarkestBeforeDawn - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 12:58 pm:
@Garfield Ridge I sincerely hope you never have to navigate the family death/health challenges that Garcia so candidly shared with voters.
- Incandenza - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:02 pm:
Rep. Garcia is leaving an impressive legacy and shows how to pass the torch at the right moment, which elevates his service from a dedicated public servant to a true and unfortunately rare form of statesmanship. Thank you, Rep. Garcia, for your dedication to the people of IL and the 4th Congressional.
- School Guy - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:07 pm:
==shows how to pass the torch==
This is exactly the problem and the concern that many people/voters have. Yes, Rep. Garcia played by the rules that are there. But I have a hard time believing that, with all that was going on in his life, he couldn’t have had these conversations about running again weeks ago. The issue of him choosing not to run again is not the problem, the issue is he only told his chief of staff so that she could be the only candidate that appears on the ballot. Why make it a secret, Mr Garcia?
- estubborn - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:12 pm:
He did cheat his constituents. The health of the Garcias’ aren’t new developments and don’t excuse his power play.
- the302 - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:19 pm:
I don’t believe him. I agree with School Guy. I’m just not buying that he came to this decision this week. He clearly has a lot going on, I think he saw an opportunity to pass the torch to his hand picked successor and he took it.
- jimbo - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:23 pm:
I have had family members who returned from cardiology appointments and do a 180 in regards to their health after years of not listening.
Details were never given, but I always imagined that the Dr. laid out for them a ‘Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come’ scenario that turned them around.
If this timeline he’s given is true, then I will wish him well, and rescind my thoughts about it being allowed but underhanded.
- estubborn - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:33 pm:
== Why make it a secret, Mr Garcia?
Interestingly, he mentioned the now defunct HDO and let on that he still keeps score of their decades-long rivalry (which he won many years ago). I think his long explanation of his family’s health is a conniving attempt to deflect from his sketchy behavior. In the end he is no better than the HDO and he is the HDO of today. Chuy Garcia - from reformer to masterful machine politician. I’m impressed at how well executed this was and how many folks believe it.
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:36 pm:
I guess someone has to die in office to be looked upon in a good light.
I have to say that sometimes we don’t believe in our own mortality until the Doc lays it out there.
Besides physical issues, the stress of serving while the POTUS blames the other party for all of the ills in our society must grate.
I was fired by Rauner and saw the writing on the wall as far as a fair and supportive government was concerned.
It is still an honor to be elected and serve.
The serve part is hard to do when there is absolutely no way atheists opposition bo won’t compromise.
I wish Chuy well. He has a lot to deal with.
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:37 pm:
Sorry, the opposition party…
- jackmac - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 1:58 pm:
I also believe Rep. Garcia’s explanations about his decision not to run. Health and family — especially family — come first. He absolutely made the right call for himself, his spouse, newly-adopted grandchild and other family members. Rep. Garcia’s legacy as a public servant is secure. Best wishes to them all for happy, long lives.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:21 pm:
==but I think I followed the rules==
No one is questioning the legality.
- I-55 Fanatic - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:29 pm:
Of course I sympathize with his family’s health concerns and wish them all the best, but it’s really hard not to be skeptical and cynical about this. He’s probably being genuine about his reasons for dropping out, but I just don’t buy the timeline here. Oh well. Ultimately, these are the rules, but they should probably be changed. I expect Garcia and Moylan’s plays to spur some talk about reforming these filing deadline rules to prevent this kind of thing in the future.
- Ukrainian Village Usurper - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:30 pm:
I think what people are missing here is that Chuy could have announced this on Friday. It would have been a chaotic and short circulation blitz. But he had made his decision by Friday night and gave his COS insider information.
I applaud his public service. But saying things like “You play to win” about his COS’ candidacy for democratically elected PUBLIC OFFICE is so thoroughly out of touch and, frankly, gross.
None of this is to say that I don’t admire his desire to look out for his health and his family. I just don’t think it excuses his actions handpicking a successor.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:41 pm:
===spur some talk about reforming these filing deadline rules to prevent this kind of thing===
I cannot fathom a way to do that.
- I-55 Fanatic - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:48 pm:
“I cannot fathom a way to do that.”
There are some states with rules to prevent this. In Nebraska, for example, the filing deadline for incumbents is 15 days earlier than the filing deadline for non-incumbents.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:50 pm:
===filing deadline for incumbents is 15 days earlier than the filing deadline for non-incumbents===
Thanks. Good to know.
- AR773 - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:52 pm:
Two things can be true:
- You can put your family and health ahead of public office. As he should.
- You can also rob your constituents of the choice on who represents them. As he did.
- King Louis XVI - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 2:57 pm:
— spur some talk about reforming these filing deadline rules to prevent this kind of thing in the future.—
Filing rules are fine. Fear of losing is unfixable. A long-game gambler type of candidate would have benefited from the fickle finger of fate.
- TNR - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 3:45 pm:
Granted, he has a good organization. But we’re supposed to believe he made the decision Friday and within 48 hours picked a candidate, printed petitions, and got enough boots on the ground to get 2,500 signatures? If he were that politically adept, we’d be calling him Mayor Garcia right now.
- Walker - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 3:58 pm:
Best wishes to him and his family.
- Juice - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 4:25 pm:
TNR- Chuy probably has one of the best ground organizations that’s left in the City.
But being able to win a street fight on the southwest side does not guarantee a victory citywide.
- It's Just a Pill - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 4:36 pm:
The move does game the system somewhat. And for a guy who spent a lot of time speaking in pro-reformer, anti-machine language, he deserves to take some of these shots from the left. But, if anyone wanted to run they could have filed. It doesn’t have to be an open seat.
- Been There - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 4:55 pm:
==== Granted, he has a good organization. But we’re supposed to believe he made the decision Friday and within 48 hours picked a candidate, printed petitions, and got enough boots on the ground to get 2,500 signatures? ====
Well the 13th Ward still has a good organization and I believe they still had a good relationship with Chuy. In the old days at least they could go get those signatures in a couple hours. I don’t want to request those petitions but it would be interesting to see who were the circulators.
- Chris in ChiTown - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 4:57 pm:
Thanks Rich for sharing the interview. Chuy García was honest about how he came to the decision to not run.
I have known Chuy for a while. I will not comment on what folks have written.
- Watchdog - Tuesday, Nov 4, 25 @ 11:25 pm:
A filing deadline for incumbents 15 days before all other candidates would be a good law of Illinois to adopt, but the chance of that happening is probably close to nil, as the General Assembly is filled with incumbents!
- JOHN MILLNER - Wednesday, Nov 5, 25 @ 12:00 am:
I remember when my wife’s cancer was stage 4 and progressed throughout her body I decided not to run for office (Senate) again and instead spend that campaigning time with my wife. She would support any decision I’d make yet I’ll never forget the look on her face when I told her my plan. Her body language clearly displayed her relief and gratitude. Something I’ll never forget. No regrets. Congressman Garcia, I believe you made the right decision and I hope you’ll feel the same. No regrets.
- Levois - Wednesday, Nov 5, 25 @ 10:32 am:
Best of wishes to him and his family. I can respect in this case that he wants to spend more time with his wife in her condition.
- Sam E - Wednesday, Nov 5, 25 @ 11:36 am:
Wishing Representative Garcia the best in his new chapter.
- Just a guy - Wednesday, Nov 5, 25 @ 12:11 pm:
AR773 nailed it. Two things can be true at the same time. And I think it would be hard to argue that, in this situation, that is the case.
- Socially DIstant Watcher - Thursday, Nov 6, 25 @ 10:04 pm:
==In Nebraska, for example, the filing deadline for incumbents is 15 days earlier than the filing deadline for non-incumbents. ==
Here’s what Nebraska law says:
if a candidate for an elective office is an incumbent of any elective office, the filing period for filing the candidate filing form shall be between January 5 and February 15 prior to the date of the primary election. No incumbent who resigns from elective office prior to the expiration of his or her term shall file for any office after February 15 of that election year. All other candidates shall file for office between January 5 and March 1 prior to the date of the primary election.
It appears that officials in *any* office have a shorter filing period. People who never held office get two extra weeks, but that’s not to prevent shenanigans, it’s to give newcomers more time to comply.