Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García, D-Ill., speaks during a press conference after being denied entry to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, Ill., on June 18, 2025. (Octavio Jones/Reuters)
FOX 32 noted that Patty Garcia previously served as the congressman's district director, and prior to that, she served with the Latino Center for Leadership Development.
Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez, a former challenger to Rep. García, criticized the move, telling FOX 32 that "the machine's gonna do what the machine's gonna do."
"For the party of ‘No Kings,' this is a bad look," Lopez told FOX 32, referencing the widespread anti-President Donald Trump "No Kings" protests.
The Urban Center, a centrist nonprofit organization in Chicago, also slammed the maneuver.
In a statement, Juan Rangel, CEO of The Urban Center, classified the move as a "classic machine maneuver from a career politician who seeks to deny the voters a say on their representation," according to FOX 32.
Rep. Jesus García speaks during the press conference as families of Americans killed by Israeli forces and settlers gather outside the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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In addition to the candidate shakeup, Illinois Democrats are considering a redistricting plan. While last week the lawmakers refused to vote on the plan during their veto session, they maintained that "all options" remained on the table, according to FOX 32.
Fox News Digital reached out to Garcia's office for comment.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democratic-rep-jesus-chuy-garcia-declines-seek-re-election