Patty García is the only name on the Democratic primary ballot for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District, but she could face several independent challengers in the general election this November, following Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s last-minute retirement announcement in November.
The race has drawn attention because it could end more than three decades of Latino Democratic representation in the district and open the door for an independent candidate. Four independents have entered the contest: Pilsen Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, political organizer Mayra Macías, nonprofit leader Lindsay Church from Berwyn, and Lyons Mayor Chris Getty. Both Sigcho-Lopez and Macías are running on platforms aligned with Democrats.
Political consultant Frank Calabrese said Patty García has a strong advantage as the Democratic nominee but noted that “if you have enough independent candidates take away natural Democratic constituencies, that could bring her down to 30-35 percent [of the vote], and an independent could win.” Republican Lupe Castillo and Working Class Party candidate Ed Hershey are also running but are considered unlikely to win in this heavily Democratic district, according to Jaime Dominguez of Northwestern University.
The district covers neighborhoods such as Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards, much of Chicago’s Southwest Side, and suburbs including Berwyn and Cicero. About 65 percent of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Independent candidates face significant hurdles to get on the ballot; they must collect at least 10,816 petition signatures by May 26—far more than party-affiliated candidates. Experts say this competition may benefit voters by forcing candidates to clarify their positions and engage with constituents. “It’s up to the voters to decide who is a better choice,” Dominguez said.
Chuy García’s decision to retire was influenced by family needs after adopting his grandson. He denied accusations that he hand-picked his successor or blocked other candidates from entering: “This allegation that we didn’t allow other people to file is false… at any point, anyone could have filed if they were interested,” Patty García said.
Sigcho-Lopez and Macías were forced to run as independents due to timing constraints caused by Chuy García’s late withdrawal. Some experts warn this process may discourage voter participation among Latinos who feel excluded from choosing their representative. “Voter apathy might seep in,” Dominguez said.
All three leading Latino candidates—Patty García, Macías, and Sigcho-Lopez—have made immigration reform central to their campaigns. Each supports abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and advocates for expanded pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Economic issues such as cost of living remain top concerns for voters in the district.
With multiple independents joining the race alongside party nominees, observers say this election could reflect changing attitudes among Latino voters seeking new leadership styles and policy priorities.
