Copyright Chicago Tribune
As Democrats, many of us rightly sound the alarm when the integrity of our elections appears under threat. We condemn attempts to suppress votes, delegitimize results or overturn an election because it didn’t go our way. We hold that democratic participation, every voter and every voice, is the bedrock of our values. So it is deeply troubling when one of our own appears to sidestep those very values. U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, a long-standing figure in Chicago politics, recently announced he will not run for reelection in 2026. That in itself is unremarkable; public service is demanding, personal and health issues matter, and transitions are normal. What raises a red flag is how that transition is being orchestrated. García filed nominating petitions for reelection Oct. 27, yet days later, his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, no relation, filed her own petitions on the final day, securing the Democratic nomination in a safely blue district. That effectively hand-picks a successor by process, not by open contest. In effect, voters are being denied a genuine primary choice. The timing ensured potential challengers had little opportunity to enter the race. It’s a move right out of the playbook of machine politics, anointing successors rather than letting the democratic process determine them. As a Democrat, I believe in strong, ethical leadership and the fight for inclusion, representation and justice. Rep. García has a long history of advocating for immigrant rights and progressive ideals. And I do not question his motives when he points to family, health issues or personal reasons. But intentions matter far less than actions. When the action subverts open electoral competition, the message to the electorate is: Democracy matters, until it gets in the way. It becomes a bit rich when progressive Democrats decry President Donald Trump or Republicans for “threatening democracy” while turning around and engaging in or tolerating moves that weaken democratic choice from within. If our side does not uphold a transparent and open process, then we forfeit our moral standing. García has built much of his career on championing inclusion and representation — standing up for the rights of immigrants. He’s spoken passionately about expanding rights, giving everyone a voice and ensuring that no one is left out of the democratic process. That’s exactly why this situation feels so contradictory. You can’t stand for inclusion on one hand and then preside over a process that excludes your own constituents from having a real choice in who represents them. Democracy is about empowering people. When a leader limits choices, it undercuts the very ideals they claim to protect. Some may argue this move is entirely legal, and they would be correct. There is no law broken in filing petitions or choosing to step aside. But democracy is not just about legality; it is about legitimacy, open contest and fairness. At a time when public trust in institutions is fragile, when cynicism about politics runs high, we cannot afford gestures that look like coronation. The people who live in the 4th Congressional District of Illinois deserve more than backstage deal-making; they deserve open choice, debate and the right to weigh in on who will represent them. If Democrats are to win the argument on democracy, if we are to assert that we stand for people-powered government, we have to live it. We must model the standard we demand of others. Let’s be clear: Stepping aside for personal reasons is understandable. But orchestrating your own replacement by timing the withdrawal so no challengers can realistically respond undermines the very principle of representation. It suggests that the party or the machine matters more than the voters. To my fellow Democrats: We cannot claim the mantle of defending democracy globally, nationally or locally if we compromise the mechanisms at home. We must insist that all contests be open, that succession not be done by fiat and that even “safe seats” honor the competitive principle that gives democracy meaning. Rep. García, I wish you well, good health and peace with your family. But let this moment be a wake-up call: Our party must not merely declare faith in the democratic process; we must embody it. If we do not, we jeopardize not just one race but also the credibility of our entire cause. Chris Getty is mayor of the village of Lyons and supervisor of Lyons Township.
