Rep. Chuy Garcia defeats Ald. Raymond Lopez in primary showdown

Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia goes 1-on-1 with FOX 32 after primary victory

Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia defeated Ald. Ray Lopez in the Illinois primary Tuesday night.

CHICAGO - Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia defeated Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) in the Illinois primary election Tuesday night, according to the Associated Press.

Lopez (15th) hoped to unseat incumbent Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia in the 4th Congressional district.

Lopez said the growing migrant crisis was central to his motivation to challenge a sitting Democrat.

"A lot of the issues that are plaguing Chicago's communities, plaguing our city, have their roots in Washington D.C.," Lopez told FOX 32. "We've seen where immigration has become our backyard crisis. We've seen where the rise in crime and, in particular, the use of assault weapons has its roots in Washington. We've seen how inflation and all those things are factored in from Washington now affecting Chicago residents."

Illinois Primary Results by County

The March Democratic primary had voters deciding between two opposing ideologies; Garcia’s progressive agenda versus Lopez’s more conservative approach. The pair have traded barbs for years, including during their failed bids to become Chicago mayor in 2023.

When Lopez announced his congressional campaign last October, Garcia's campaign manager denounced it as political theater.

Ald. Lopez unable to defeat incumbent Garcia for 4th District

Alderman Raymond Lopez trailed incumbent 4th District Representative Jesús "Chuy Garcia" in the Illinois primaries Tuesday. Lopez says no matter what the race, more Chicago's need to get out and vote. Barely 20% of voters cast their ballots.

"Alderman Ray Lopez's latest run for a new office is nothing more than an attention-grabbing stunt," Díaz said. "His dependence on Ed Burke, a figure drowning in federal racketeering charges, raises serious concerns about his ethics. Lopez's long-standing relationship with Burke, which now includes renting office space in the same Burke compound raided by the FBI in 2019, has also extended to a disturbing pattern of allegedly attempting to extort small business owners in his ward."

Garcia was elected to the U.S. House back in 2018.

Congressman Jesus ‘Chuy Garcia wins primary reelection bid

Three-term Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia has won the Democratic primary against Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez. The congressman, who dominated in funding and endorsements, was facing his first primary challenger since 2018, when he won congressional office.