Democrat Congresswoman Goes Scorched Earth Against Colleague From Same Party
Retiring Illinois Democratic Rep. Chuy Garcia’s decision to choose his successor, in a brazen move that critics likened to a coronation, could bring formal condemnation from the House of Representatives.
Washington Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez announced Wednesday that she will introduce a resolution of disapproval to formally punish Garcia for “undermining” the election to replace him in Congress. The surprise move comes after Garcia’s chief of staff entered the race for his seat in the final hours before the filing deadline, only for Garcia to announce his retirement after that deadline. (RELATED: Democrat Complains About ICE Arrest of Migrant ‘Parent’ Outside School. Turns Out Offender Is Twice-Deported Gangbanger)
Garcia’s maneuver made Patty Garcia, his unrelated aide, the Democratic Party’s automatic nominee in next year’s midterm elections and prevented voters from taking an active role in choosing between a potential slate of candidates.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 21: Chicago mayoral candidate Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia greets commuters at an “L” train station during an early morning campaign stop in the Pilsen neighborhood on February 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Amid a House debate Monday over reopening the government, Gluesenkamp Perez sought to force a vote on condemning Garcia’s actions. The Washington state Democrat argued that Garcia’s succession plan constitutes a “denial of election” and violates “the spirit of the Constitution.”
“The reasons given by Congressman Chuy Garcia for his retirement are honorable, but his decision to name an heir is fundamentally undemocratic,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement. “It’s the kind of thing that makes people lose interest in electoral politics. »
“If we fail to hold our colleagues accountable for this subversion of the elections, we will face the consequences,” added Gluesenkamp Perez. “Americans have bled and died for the right to elect their leaders. We cannot expect to be taken seriously in the fight for free and fair elections if we turn a blind eye to election denial on our side of the aisle.”
With Gluesenkamp Perez’s resolution favored, the House will have two legislative days to vote on the issue if it does not withdraw the measure.
“Congressman García made a deeply personal decision based on his health, his wife’s worsening condition and his responsibility to the grandchildren he is raising following the death of his daughter,” a spokesperson for the Illinois Democrat told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a statement. “He followed all rules and filing requirements established by the State of Illinois.”
“At a time like this, he hopes that his colleagues, especially those who speak about family values, can demonstrate the same compassion and respect that any family would wish for during a health crisis. Congressman García remains committed to finishing his term with dignity and continuing his lifelong fight for working families,” the spokesperson’s statement continued.
Garcia, 69, ran for re-election on Oct. 27 before announcing, after the filing deadline passed, that he would not seek a fourth term. Her chief of staff filed for office on November 3 at 5 p.m. before the deadline closed at midnight, effectively giving no other candidate the opportunity to challenge her.
Garcia represented Chicago’s west side for three terms in a safe blue seat since 2019, before announcing his retirement on November 4.
Garcia’s widely criticized succession plan comes after Democrats faced criticism for nominating former Vice President Kamala Harris as their 2024 presidential candidate without holding another primary after former President Joe Biden suspended his campaign.
Andi Shae Napier contributed to this report.
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