Two Democrats Press Ahead With Condemning Chuy Garcia Over Hakeem Jeffries’ Fierce Objection
The House of Representatives on Monday evening rejected a motion by House Democratic leaders to introduce a resolution condemning Illinois Democratic Rep. Chuy García for “election subversion.”
Lawmakers voted 211-206 against filing a resolution by Washington Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez to denounce her fellow Democrat for effectively choosing her successor. The attempt by House Democratic leaders to overturn the resolution constitutes a high-profile example of Democratic infighting over controversial behavior by lawmakers within their ranks. (RELATED: Why six Democrats challenged Hakeem Jeffries to end the shutdown)
Maine Democratic Rep. Jared Golden was the only House Democrat to join Gluesenkamp Perez in rejecting Democratic leaders’ attempt to defeat the measure. Golden, a moderate Democrat who frequently crosses partisan lines, is not seeking re-election.
García announced his retirement in early November after the filing deadline expired, citing his wife’s worsening health problems and wanting to spend more time with his grandchildren.
His chief of staff, Patty Garcia — who is no relation to the congressman — declared her candidacy hours before the filing deadline closed, making her the automatic Democratic nominee in the primary to succeed him.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced his opposition to the resolution on Monday, arguing that García has been a “progressive champion” for decades. The top Democrat did not directly say whether he approved of García’s retirement plan.
“I strongly support Congressman Chuy Garcia,” Jeffries said.
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 8: Congressman Chuy Garcia speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill on December 8, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for SEIU)
Gluesenkamp Perez, the resolution’s sponsor, argued that Democrats have a responsibility to denounce Garcia for effectively denying voters an alternative to his hand-picked successor.
“I believe election subversion is wrong, no matter who does it,” Gluesenkamp Perez told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Sunday. “Right now we are seeing a deep and very strong call from Americans for transparency and accountability, and this is an integral part of it.”
“It’s not fun to call out a member of your party, but I think it’s important that we be consistent,” Gluesenkamp Perez continued.
The Washington Democrat represents a battleground district and has crossed party lines to support GOP-backed legislation multiple times this year. Gluesenkamp Perez was one of six Democrats to support reopening the government on Wednesday and sharply criticized his party’s shutdown strategy.
García’s office attempted to prevent the resolution from passing by distributing a discussion memo to Hill’s offices summarizing his defense.
“Voters want Congress to work on affordability – not use the floor for political attacks that divide and distract,” the document obtained by Politico states.
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