A Congressman Faces a New Obstacle in His Plan to Choose His Successor

Independent candidate Mayra Macas declared on Wednesday that she is entering the race for the House seat soon to be vacated by Rep. Chuy Garca (D-Ill.). Macas will compete against Patty Garca, Chuy Garcas current chief of staff and the sole Democrat who officially filed to run before the congressman announced his retirement. Despite sharing a last name, the two Garcas are not related.

Chuy Garcas attempt to influence his successor led to a formal reprimand in Congress and is likely to be a central issue in Macass campaign in Illinois fourth district. Speaking to HuffPost, Macas explained, I am a Democrat and would have sought the Democratic nomination had the process been fair. Since it was not, I am running as an independent to ensure voters have a choice in November. At the moment, the March primary does not offer them one.

Macas, a former middle school teacher, worked as a field organizer for Barack Obamas 2012 reelection campaign and served as executive director of Building Back Together, a nonprofit supporting President Joe Bidens policies. She stated her platform will focus on affordability, immigration reform, and democratic governanceareas she believes distinguish her from her Democratic opponent.

In a time when Democrats challenge threats to democracy, we need a candidate who can credibly defend democratic principles, Macas said. It is difficult to do so after participating in undemocratic actions. Her remarks echo criticisms voiced by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) when supporting a House resolution of disapproval against Chuy Garca, which passed last month with backing from 23 Democrats.

Garca defended his actions by stating he complied with Illinois election law and that family health issues influenced his decision.

Macas also emphasized her experience with economic challenges as a foundation for addressing affordabilitya key Democratic concern ahead of the midterms. My father was a city sanitation worker and my mother is a home care provider. Their hard work taught me the value of making ends meet and the struggles families face when wages dont keep up with living costs, she said. She highlighted how many families now rely on multiple jobs just to cover basic expenses.

On immigration, Macas criticized the Democratic Party for taking a defensive stance and urged proactive measures. Our immigrant communities will continue facing threats unless pathways to legalization or citizenship are established. We need to push forward meaningful immigration policies, she stated.

The fourth district, encompassing several majority-Latino neighborhoods in Chicago, remains a Democratic stronghold, setting the stage for a competitive race between Macas and Patty Garca.

Author: Lucas Grant