Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of Chicago’s 25th Ward has announced his candidacy for Congress as an independent Democratic Socialist. The announcement was made Wednesday at the Gage Park restaurant 5 Estrellas, where Sigcho-Lopez addressed a group of supporters.
“You deserve a congressperson who shares your fight, who shows up alongside you in other streets, in the streets, and who will make sure that your sacrifices are not in vain,” Sigcho-Lopez said during his campaign launch.
Sigcho-Lopez is entering the race for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District. He joins Mayra Macias, another independent candidate, in challenging Patty Garcia, the only registered Democratic candidate. Garcia is currently chief of staff for outgoing U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and has served as district director since 2023.
When asked whether he would seek a third term as alderman if his congressional bid is unsuccessful, Sigcho-Lopez responded: “The focus right now is on the election for U.S. Congress.”
To qualify for the ballot as an independent candidate, Sigcho-Lopez must collect about 10,000 signatures by May 26—representing roughly five percent of voters from the last election for this seat.
Patty Garcia filed her petitions to run for Congress in a late move last fall. According to reports, critics questioned the timing of her filing. She has no familial relation to Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
Mayra Macias launched her campaign as an independent in December and is known for her work as a Democratic activist and field organizer for President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. She also led national Latino voter mobilization efforts with the Latino Victory Project and most recently headed Building Back Together, a nonprofit supporting the Biden-Harris agenda.
Sigcho-Lopez first won election to City Council in 2019 after replacing former Alderman Danny Solis and secured reelection in 2023 following changes to ward boundaries that expanded through Pilsen, University Village, and parts of Little Village.
Addressing potential candidates considering running for his City Council seat should he win or leave office, Sigcho-Lopez said he hopes they will “focus on the public service that needs to be done before political calculations.”
In City Council, Sigcho-Lopez chairs the housing and real estate committee and participates in both progressive and Latino caucuses. He has supported Mayor Brandon Johnson and gained attention for strong debates with other council members.
“I have always said that I do not build coalition with politicians, neither am I part of a fraternity. I represent my constituents and I build coalition with my constituents,” he said when asked if his reputation could affect him if elected to Congress.
Born in Ecuador and arriving in the United States at age 17, Sigcho-Lopez worked as an educator and community organizer before serving as director of Pilsen Alliance prior to his election as alderman.
