The House advanced on Monday a resolution to disapprove of conduct by Illinois Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García over the timing of his announcement to not seek reelection.
The last-minute announcement meant that only Garcia’s chief of staff Patty Garcia was able to mount an effort to replace the Chicago representative, and drew sharp criticism.
Washington Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez, a Democrat who introduced the measure, spoke out in favor of the action on Monday at the Capitol.
“We are not here to adjudicate the character of Chuy Garcia,” she said, but emphasized that “no good work means you are able to end your career with impunity and choosing your successor.”
Perez said she introduced the motion, which was opposed by nearly all of the Democratic caucus, “with humility, fear and conviction.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries spoke out in García’s defense Monday.
“I do not support this so-called resolution of disapproval. And I strongly support Congressman Chuy García,” Jeffries said. “He’s been a progressive champion in disenfranchised communities for decades — including during his time in Congress — and he’s made life better for the American people.”
Other Democrats have since said they might have run for Garcia’s Congressional seat if they knew he wasn’t seeking re-election, according to reporting from NBC Chicago’s Rose Schmidt and Mary Ann Ahern.
NBC 5 Chicago obtained a copy of Patty Garcia’s nominating petitions. The first page of petitions included signatures from Chuy Garcia and six other elected officials: Cook County Board Commissioner Alma Anaya, State Sen. Celina Villanueva, State Rep. Aarón Ortíz, Chicago Alderwoman Jeylú Gutiérrez, Chicago Alderman Michael Rodriguez and Illinois State Rep. Norma Hernandez. The first page also included signatures from two members of the Chicago Board of Education: Yesenia Lopez and Rodolfo Lozano, Jr.
A spokesperson for Chuy Garcia released a statement saying in part:
“Congressman Garcia made a deeply personal decision based on his health, his wife’s worsening condition and his responsibility to the grandchildren he is raising after the death of his daughter. He followed every rule and every filing requirement laid out by the State of Illinois.”
U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, a Democrat from Illinois, posted on X that he was “extremely disappointed” by the “lack of decorum” from Gluesenkamp Perez. Jackson said he attempted to defend Chuy Garcia on the House floor, but his microphone was cut.
“Some people need to learn how to stay in their own lane,” Jackson wrote on X.
However, New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim posted on social media that he is supportive of Gluesenkamp Perez’s resolution.
“Standing against corruption means standing up no matter which political party violates. The House should condemn and steps need to be taken to restore the people’s right to choose,” he said in a post on X.
After the resolution was introduced, Chuy Garcia’s spokesperson expressed a desire for the Congressman’s colleagues to show compassion to his family.
“At a moment like this, he hopes his colleagues, especially those who speak about family values, can show the same compassion and respect that any family would want during a health crisis. Congressman Garcia remains committed to finishing his term with dignity and continuing his lifelong fight for working families,” the spokesperson said.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
