* Tribune…

U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García on Wednesday defended his decision to quietly drop his bid for a fifth term in Congress and essentially hand the post to his chief of staff, a move that undermines the Southwest Side progressive’s legacy as a reformer and has opened him up to accusations of hypocrisy by borrowing from the old-school Chicago machine playbook he’s long railed against. […]

García acknowledged that “the criticism is fair,” adding that “some is predictable, and some of it is folks who may have philosophical differences.”

“Given that the window was closing, I wanted to ensure that there was an option for someone in the progressive lane to get on the ballot, not knowing who would wind up filing,” he said. “But I appreciate that people have the right to criticize and to say what’s on their mind.”

The other candidates who filed to run in the 4th District are Republican Lupe Castillo and Ed Hershey of the Working Class Party, both of whom mounted unsuccessful challenges to García in 2024. Late Wednesday, Democratic Socialist Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez said he was exploring making an independent run for the congressional seat and called García’s move an “old machine tactic.”

* Sun-Times…

Vowing to fight “machine tactics,” Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez is exploring an independent bid for the 4th Congressional District just two days after U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia left in place a controversial succession plan for his chief of staff.

Sigcho-Lopez (25th) confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times Wednesday that he has formed an exploratory committee after being encouraged to run by community members following Garcia’s surprising exit. Garcia’s chief of staff, Patty Garcia, submitted petitions for the seat just before the filing deadline. […]

Sigcho-Lopez, 42, said he has not spoken to Garcia but plans to reach out “in the next few weeks.” He chairs the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate, and was elected to his first term in 2019 in a hotly contested race to replace Ald. Danny Solis. His ward encompasses Pilsen, parts of the West Loop and Chinatown. […]

The Council member said he has reached out to the Chicago Federation of Labor and other labor leaders to talk about his exploratory bid. His wife, a scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency, is on furlough during the government shutdown, he said.

The deadline to file as an Independent is May 26.

* The Tribune…

Democratic state Sen. Willie Preston is pitching himself as a fighter for working-class families and a product of South Side struggles, hoping that message will stand out in a crowded field vying for Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District seat. […]

Just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, Preston posted a series of Facebook messages praising President Donald Trump and ridiculing Joe Biden and the Democratic Party. The posts, some laced with mild profanity, were written by Preston before he held public office as a Democrat in the state legislature. […]

“Go to hell Joe Biden! #TRUMP2020,” Preston wrote at the end of one post shared six days before the election. In another on the same day, in response to a question about who he would vote for, Preston answered, “Trump,” and attached a photo showing the Republican president’s name checked on a digital ballot. […]

Preston, saying he is “not in the business of trying to pretend, lie or run,” confirmed in a Tribune interview that he wrote the posts. But he insisted the comments from five years ago do not reflect how he would legislate on Capitol Hill if he’s elected to replace U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who is stepping down to run to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. […]

“No, no, no. No, no, no, no,” Preston said when asked whether he actually voted for Trump, given his 2020 Facebook post claiming he did. “That’s totally false.”

Much more in that story. Go read the rest.

* 8th Congressional District candidate Junaid Ahmed announced he’s been endorsed by Sen. Rachel Ventura…

Today, Progressive leader and Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura announced her endorsement of Junaid Ahmed for Congress in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, citing his record of grassroots activism and commitment to bringing costs down for working families, raising wages, and fighting for universal healthcare.

“I’m proud to endorse Junaid Ahmed for Congress because he’s exactly the kind of bold, progressive leader we need in Washington,” said Senator Rachel Ventura. “Junaid has been marching and fighting for justice for years, from advocating for Medicare for All and climate action to standing with workers on strike and families facing deportation. He doesn’t just talk about change; he organizes for it. I know he’ll bring that same courage and conviction to Congress.”

* Laura Fine for Congress…

Laura Fine’s campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 9th District announced new endorsements today from state and local leaders, bringing her total to more than 81 endorsements — the broadest coalition in the race.

The new endorsements include Bob Israel, Elliott Hartstein, George D. Alpogianis (Mayor of Niles), Jojo Hebl, Linda Holmes, and Sandy Hart.

“I’ve been around long enough to know the difference between politicians who talk and leaders
who deliver,” Niles Mayor George D. Alpogianis said. […]

New endorsements include: Bob Israel, Village of Northbrook Trustee; Elliott Hartstein, Former Mayor of Buffalo Grove; George D. Alpogianis, Mayor of Niles; Jojo Hebl, Village of Northbrook Trustee; Linda Holmes; Illinois State Senator 42nd District; and Sandy Hart, Lake County [Commissioner].

Click here for the full list of endorsements.

* Another 9th CD candidate, Sen. Mike Simmons, announced endorsements…

State Sen. Mike Simmons’s campaign for Congress has been endorsed by community leaders across the Ninth Congressional District, including:

- Harry Osterman, Former 48th Ward Alderman and Illinois Representative of HD-14
- Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks, Pastor at San Lucas United Church of Christ and Executive Director of A Just Harvest
- Rev. Kim Shelton, Senior Pastor of Good News Community Church in Chicago
- PC Gooden-Smiley, President of Buttercup Park Advisory Council
- Kim Hunt, Executive Director of Pride Action Tank and Advocacy Advisor at AIDS Foundation of Chicago
- Dalila Fridi & Elizabeth McKnight, Member and Supporters of the Chicago LGBT Hall Of Fame
- Brian Johnson, Founder of Reimagining Capitalism Lab and Former Equality Illinois CEO
- Channyn Parker, Current Equality Illinois CEO
- Art Johnston and Pepe Peña, LGBTQ+ Rights Leaders and owners of the iconic gay bar Sidetrack
- Iggy Ladden, Founder of Chicago Therapy Collective
- Kevin Hauswirth, Queer Activist and Social Entrepreneur behind “an inclusive, diverse team of digital natives”
- Rob Fojtik, Vice President of Neighborhood Strategy at Choose Chicago
- Justin Hill, Research and Policy Analyst at Westside Health Authority
- John Litchfield & Joe Olscewski, LGBTQ Advocates and Leaders
- Chirag G. Badlani, Executive Director of the Alphawood Foundation
- KJ Whitehead, Black and Trans Comedian & Community Leader