After longtime U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-4th, unexpectedly announced that he would not be seeking another term, he backed Cook County Commissioner Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia to be his successor. A veteran of local and state politics, Garcia initially faced several challengers in the March 20 primary race, but his Democratic opponents are down to Richard Gonzalez and Sol Flores. Mark Wayne Lorch is running unopposed on the Republican ticket.
Windy City Times: How did the idea for you to run come about?
Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia: Congressman Gutierrez shared with me that he was really ready to retire. He had considered it 10 years ago—that got some people into the race, but then he changed his mind. I thought about the great urgency that we have. Someone with a voice like mine, from someone who's lived the immigrant experience, who comes from a working and whose entire life has been in the 4th District, could be a very effective voice at a very critical time in our Congress. "Critical time" meaning the Donald Trump presidency, when so many things that we've come to cherish are being threatened Americans, the constitution, civi rights and, of course, the attacks against minorities.
WCT: You have a very extensive resume, and have been an alderman, legislator and, now, a county commissioner. How does that experience translate to legislative success in Washington, D.C.?
JCG: As a progressive on the Chicago City Council, I got a chance to work with community groups at the citywide level to pass ordinances that benefit people across Chicago, whether it was [regarding] housing, protecting immigrants, or passing the first Human Rights Ordinance that included protections for the LGBTQ community. As a legislator, I was successful in passing legislation in Springfield at a time when Democrats were in the minority in both houses, and Republicans held all of the constitutional offices statewide. There is a great need in Congress who can help create the space that's between the two parties, a healthy space for bipartisanship to come back to Washington. That has been lost to all the acrimony; it has just become too partisan. My ability to work across the while and to pass legislation would bode well for residents of the 4th District.
WCT: What are the two or three most important policy issues affecting 4th District residents?
JCG: First, immigration policy reform, the urgency in passing the DACA legislation, with young people whose lives are hanging in the balance. [We must deal with] protecting those people who have temporary-protected status, those folks whose status Trump rescinded. There also is also longer-term immigration reform, to address the 10-12 million people who are not covered by DACA. Second, I think we need an infrastructure bill in Washington. In order to give people an opportunity to return to prosperity, we've got to rebuild our infrastructure and invest in communities. It will be a way of creating jobs and stimulating the economy. … A third area would be improving the Affordable Care Act, and creating a "Medicare for all" system, so that no one is left behind, and so people with medical needs know that our government is zoning the ranks of other industrialized countries across the globe who recognize that a government has to take care of our most basic needs in society.
WCT: What work have you done with the LGBT community?
JCG: I have always sought to be an ally of the LGBTQ community, from when I was on the City Council and we passed that ordinance. In Springfield, I voted for [supportive] legislation every time it was before us. … On bills seeking to protect the LGBT community, my record has been clear and unwavering support. In Cook County, I have also spoken out and introduced resolutions supporting ordinances protecting the community, commemorating special events or honoring individuals that have been pioneers in the struggle for LGBTQ community. In my local community, people have known of my work and know that I am comfortable engaging my community. I live half a block from one of the only [local] bars that LGBTQ visit; it's been there for over 30 years. I have a good sense of the community.
WCT: What do you think would be the most pertinent issues for LGBT constituents in the 4th District?
JCG: It would be to create the conditions in the neighborhoods that are welcoming and inclusive, whether in a school setting or other public accommodations. Certainly, being an advocate of inclusivity and respect for the community as well. If I were elected, I would [support] legislation, be involved in events in the neighborhood and be visibly on the side of the community. I'll Alsop be helping to raise awareness, whether it's for children or adolescents, and the reality they have to deal with, or with adults. I'll always speak out against hatred targeting and being directed at the community.
See jesuschuygarcia.com .
