The sudden decision by Chicago Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia to not seek re-election has inspired a progressive Chicago alderman to kick the tires on a possible run.
Pilsen alderman and self-described Democratic socialist Byron Sigcho-Lopez said the news that Garcia would not seek re-election caught him off-guard.
"I was surprised and disappointed," said Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) about the Congressman's announcement that he would not run for re-election ... which was made after the deadline for nominating petitions to be filed.
As a result, the only Democratic candidate on the ballot is the Congressman's chief of staff, Patty Garcia, who's not related.
Sigcho-Lopez called it an old-school Machine-style move, coming at a very troubling time.
"We have an authoritarian regime that rigs elections, that tries to undermine our democratic process," said Sigcho-Lopez, describing the Trump Administration. "In a time like this when we're fighting against a dictator, this is not acceptable."
He's launched an exploratory committee to consider challenging Patty Garcia as an independent -- "I was not given any other choice" -- and is now making his case to the people of a district that covers suburbs from Franklin Park to Burbank, as well as Chicago's West and Southwest side.
"I believe in the wisdom and the power of the people," Sigcho-Lopez said.
He would have to turn in 30,000 petition signatures by May to get on the ballot.