Chuy García’s former chief of staff wins House election in Illinois

Democrat Patty García is projected to win and succeed her former boss Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) in Illinois’s 4th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.

Patty García, the child of immigrants from Mexico, defeated three other candidates for the seat. She previously served as Chuy García’s district director and chief of staff, and has prior experience in community organizing.

Patty García racked up endorsements from figures such as her former boss and Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), Robert Garcia (Calif.), Ro Khanna (Calif.) and Jerry Nadler (N.Y.).

Controversy has swirled around her campaign. In October 2025, Chuy García initially filed to run for reelection in the 4th Congressional District on the first day of the Illinois petition filing window. However, he later reversed course a few days after the filing deadline. The congressman then endorsed his former chief of staff, who had filed to run shortly before the deadline.

The House the following month passed a resolution condemning the congressman over the controversial timing of his retirement announcement.