Democratic Candidate Will Run for Rep. Chuy García’s Seat as an Independent

Mayra Macías, a former Democratic political operative, is launching a campaign for Congress as an independent for the Chicago-area seat being vacated by Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García.

Macías said she is running as an independent after García carried out a paperwork scheme to clear the primary field for his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, causing outrage from some rank-and-file Democrats.

“I’m a Democrat, and I would have run as a Democrat if this process had been open and fair,” Macías told NOTUS in an interview. “Since it was not, I’m running as an independent because I want to make sure that voters have a choice, even though they won’t have one during the Democratic primary, and that process is going to be not an easy one, but we’re ready to work.”

Macías, who grew up in Chicago as a first-generation American born to Mexican immigrant parents, said she plans to run on several issues, including affordability, immigration reform and “protecting democracy.” She was previously the executive director of Latino Victory Project, as well as the executive director of Building Back Together, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting former President Joe Biden’s agenda.

“I really want to make sure that we are not only repairing all the damage that Trump has done to our democratic process and to democratic institutions, but that we’re reigniting hope so that people can come to government as a lever of opportunity for them and not just feel disengaged in the process,” she said.

While García originally filed to run for reelection, he announced he decided not to run after Patty Garcia (no relation) filed her petition for candidacy at 5 p.m. Monday, the exact deadline. The only other candidates in the race are Republican Lupe Castillo and Working Class Party candidate Ed Hershey.

García’s decision to help his chief of staff singlehandedly get the Democratic nomination created a stir on Capitol Hill, prompting the majority of his congressional colleagues to formally “reprimand” the progressive Democrat in a vote on the House floor forced by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

“I have tremendous respect for the congressman,” Macías said. “I was deeply disappointed when I learned of how the process came about.”

She added: “It’s disappointing that the process in which he anointed his chief is wholly anti-democratic, at a time when we’re criticizing the Trump administration and Republicans for dismantling democracy.”