Illinois congressman forgoes reelection with eyebrow-raising move to place chief of staff on ballot
November 6, 2025
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia confirms he won’t seek reelection days after the Illinois Democrat backed a quiet effort to get his chief of staff on the March primary ballot as his replacement. Garcia becomes the fifth Illinois representative to forgo reelection in the 2026 midterms, leaving one of the highest number of open congressional seats in state history. All five are considered safely Democratic, along with a seat left open by retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. Garcia says a combination of health and family issues led to the decision after he’d already submitted his petitions.