Vowing to fight “machine tactics,” Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez is exploring an independent bid for the 4th Congressional District just two days after U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia left in place a controversial succession plan for his chief of staff.
Sigcho-Lopez (25th) confirmed to the Chicago Sun-Times Wednesday that he has formed an exploratory committee after being encouraged to run by community members following Garcia’s surprising exit. Garcia’s chief of staff, Patty Garcia, submitted petitions for the seat just before the filing deadline.
Sigcho-Lopez, known as a progressive firebrand in the City Council, didn’t mince his criticism of the last-minute maneuver.
“It sends a bad message to our community, especially in the middle of this horrific and atrocious attack by the Trump regime,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “These anointments, you know, talk about ‘No Kings.’ We also talk about no bosses.”
Sigcho-Lopez, 42, said he has not spoken to Garcia but plans to reach out “in the next few weeks.” He chairs the City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate, and was elected to his first term in 2019 in a hotly contested race to replace Ald. Danny Solis. His ward encompasses Pilsen, parts of the West Loop and Chinatown.
“It is very important for us that our community has representation, especially for our young people that need mentors and people who empower them in a time like this,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “It’s important that we start challenging these old machine tactics.”
Sigcho-Lopez said he believes that 4th Congressional District voters “have a choice, and it is not already made for them.”
The Council member said he has reached out to the Chicago Federation of Labor and other labor leaders to talk about his exploratory bid. His wife, a scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency, is on furlough during the government shutdown, he said.
“We see a lot of federal workers going broke. People are struggling to pay the rent, their mortgages, even to find food,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “So for us, this is something that is personal.”
Sigcho-Lopez said he doesn’t think running as an independent will harm him, citing U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont as a notable example of an independent who has helped congressional Democrats in key votes.
“The conditions make it harder, but I do have respect and trust that district constituents are wise, and that they will see that I think in the district, I don’t think Republicans have a chance,” Sigcho-Lopez said. “And I will seek the support of the Democratic Party, as well.”
Sigcho-Lopez said that the petition process will be a bit more difficult than running as a Democrat, but added, “I’m willing to do that to change these machine tactics.”
For his part, Chuy Garcia, who also submitted his own petitions on Oct. 27, has until Jan. 8, the day the Illinois State Board of Elections certifies the March 17 ballot, to pull his petitions. A spokesman for the Illinois State Board of Elections on Wednesday said he had not yet done so.