House Democrats defect to join GOP in censure of Rep. Chuy García over succession maneuver

2 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In a remarkable display of internal dissent, 23 House Democrats defied their leadership Tuesday to join Republicans in passing a resolution condemning Representative Chuy García of Illinois for his controversial timing in retiring from Congress. The measure passed 236-183, with three additional Democrats voting present, signaling significant discontent within the party.The rebuke targets García's decision to announce his retirement only after Illinois' congressional filing deadline had passed, ensuring his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, would be the sole Democratic candidate on the primary ballot. In the heavily Democratic district, this effectively guarantees the congressional seat will pass to García's aide without competitive primary elections.The resolution describes García's actions as 'beneath the dignity of his office and incompatible with the spirit of the United States Constitution'—unusually strong language for internal party discipline. Democratic leadership mounted an aggressive campaign to stop the measure, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar releasing a joint statement calling García a 'good man' and opposing what they termed a 'misguided resolution.' Paper copies of this defense were placed on lawmakers' chairs before a tense closed-door meeting, but the effort failed to prevent substantial Democratic defections. García defended himself in a 'dear colleague' letter, emphasizing he is not related to Patty Garcia and noting that 'anyone, at any time before the filing deadline could have collected petitions and filed to run.' However, this argument was contradicted by his earlier admission to the Chicago Sun-Times that his political organization assisted her with signature gathering. The political fallout continues to escalate, with Progressive Caucus members reportedly discussing retaliatory measures against resolution sponsor Representative Gluesenkamp Perez.García cited last-minute pleas from his wife and doctor regarding health concerns and family obligations as reasons for his withdrawal timing. The episode exposes deepening fractures within Democratic ranks and represents a significant challenge to party leadership, whose authority has been publicly undermined by the cross-party alliance.

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#House Democrats

#Republicans

#Chuy García

#rebuke

#chief of staff

#succession

#internal conflict

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