Four candidates seeking to represent Illinois’ 4th Congressional District faced questions on immigration, living costs and political accountability during a televised debate in Chicago on Tuesday night.
The contest is to succeed Democratic US Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who is retiring at the end of his term. The candidates taking part were Democrat Patty Garcia, Republican Lupe Castillo, independent Chris Getty and Working Class Party nominee Ed Hershey.
The debate unfolded against a backdrop of controversy over how the Democratic nomination was secured. Patty Garcia, who is not related to the outgoing congressman, was his chief of staff and became the only Democrat to file for the primary after Mr Garcia withdrew his candidacy after the filing deadline.
Several independent challengers subsequently attempted to enter the race, but Mayra Macías and Byron Sigcho-Lopez were removed from the November ballot after Illinois election officials ruled that they had not submitted enough valid signatures. Chris Getty, the mayor of Lyons, was the only independent candidate to remain eligible.
Immigration and the legacy of Operation Midway Blitz
Immigration policy was a central issue during the debate, with the candidates discussing enforcement, legal status and the impact of federal operations on Chicago-area communities.
The legacy of Operation Midway Blitz — a major immigration enforcement campaign in the Chicago region — also featured prominently. The operation has remained a source of political tension, particularly among immigrant communities and candidates who disagree over the role and accountability of federal immigration agencies.
Patty Garcia faced criticism from opponents over both her links to the outgoing congressman and the circumstances surrounding her route to the Democratic nomination. She defended her record and argued that her experience in the congressional office had prepared her to represent the district from her first day in Washington.
The candidates also set out competing approaches to the cost of living. Getty highlighted affordability and government accountability, while Garcia’s campaign has backed measures including a higher federal minimum wage, stronger union rights and Medicare for All. Castillo has focused on border security, gun rights and reducing federal spending, while Hershey has campaigned on wages, workers’ rights and greater investment in public services.
Illinois’ 4th District covers much of Chicago’s Southwest Side and parts of the western and south-western suburbs. It is a heavily Democratic seat, but the open contest has attracted greater attention after the ballot dispute and Mr Garcia’s decision not to seek re-election.
Voters will choose among the four candidates in the general election on November 3, 2026.
