Patty Garcia is running against Lupe Castillo (R); Byron Sigcho-Lopez (Independent); Mayra Macias (Independent).
Open seat race in heavily Democratic district (D+17) after Rep. Chuy Garcia's surprise retirement. Garcia filed petitions then withdrew hours before the deadline, ensuring his chief of staff Patty Garcia was the only Democrat on the primary ballot. Two progressive independent candidates are mounting write-in challenges.
The district is majority-Latino and spans from Chicago to western suburbs. Garcia launched her campaign with a strongly pro-immigrant, anti-ICE message, declaring "F--- ICE" at her kickoff. Independent challenger Mayra Macias raised $125,000 in Q4 2025, slightly outpacing Garcia's $122,500. Both independents face the difficult task of collecting 10,816+ signatures to make the general election ballot.
Key dates to watch: Primary on March 17, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.