In a surprise move, U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is not seeking reelection, leaving in place a succession plan for his chief of staff, the only Democrat to file for his seat on the last day to do so.

Garcia filed petitions with the Illinois State Board of Elections to run for his seat on Oct. 27, but Patty Garcia, his chief of staff, filed petitions on Monday at 5 p.m., the last day to do so. Two sources confirmed Garcia’s plan to step down. Garcia is expected to pull his petitions.

Garcia, 69, has been a fixture in Chicago politics for four decades as an alderperson, Cook County commissioner, state senator and two-time mayoral candidate.

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