Congressman Chuy Garcia submits signatures to run for Chicago mayor

CHICAGO - The deadline to submit nomination petitions to run for Chicago mayor was Monday.

Congressman Chuy Garcia filed his petitions shortly after 4 p.m. He was the last candidate to do so.

Candidates must file 12,500 signatures.

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Filing late gives candidates the advantage of less time for someone to challenge those signatures.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot filed her petitions Monday as well. She spoke shortly after delivering her petitions and said she is the only rational choice.

"The next thing obviously that we're focused on is continuing our efforts to reach voters all across the city, not only to remind them what we've done over the last three and a half years, but what our vision is for the next four. And why the only rational choice is to return me to office," Lightfoot said.

Candidates have the coming week to challenge their opponent's petitions.

If no candidate gets 50 percent of the vote in the February 28 election, the top two will have a run-off in April.

There are 11 total candidates.