Mayra Macias, a liberal activist and lifelong Democrat, has launched a campaign as an independent in Illinois, challenging the sole Democratic candidate controversially handpicked by Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL) to replace him.
Garcia was rebuked by a bipartisan group of lawmakers in November for an election filing scheme in which he filed for reelection, then his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, filed to run for his seat as well. Garcia then announced his retirement after the primary filing deadline lapsed.
Macias, a labor organizer and voting activist who worked to promote the Biden administration agenda, said she found Garcia’s move “disappointing,” adding that “this isn’t how democracy is supposed to work.”
“I’m a Democrat, and I would have run as a Democrat if this process had been open and fair. Since it was not, I’m running as an independent because I want to make sure that voters have a choice, even though they won’t have one during the Democratic primary, and that process is going to be not an easy one, but we’re ready to work,” Macias told NOTUS.
Macias first hinted on social media that she was toying with a run on the day the House voted to pass the resolution of disapproval. She noted her appreciation for Garcia as a “progressive champion,” but said she was eyeing a run to represent the district she grew up in, writing that “nothing was ever handed to me.”
“I’ve dedicated my career to strengthening the Latino community and lifting up working-class families, including by leading two nationally recognized organizations to fight for opportunity and dignity for all. I’m humbled and honored by the outpouring of support I’ve already received from many of you and will be making an announcement soon,” Macias wrote.
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Macias told NBC News that she moved from Washington, D.C., back to Illinois’s 4th District after President Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election.
The state’s 4th Congressional District, which Garcia has served since 2019, is a working-class area, predominantly made up of Latinos and immigrations on Chicago‘s southwest side. It also includes parts of Cook and DuPage counties. The general election date for the seat is set for Nov. 3, 2026.
