Declaring that “democracy only works when voters are given a real choice,” Lyons Mayor Chris Getty officially filed petitions Monday morning with the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield to run as an independent candidate in Illinois’s 4th Congressional District.
Supporters collected nearly 20,000 signatures, almost double the 10,816 required to qualify for the ballot.
Getty, who has run as a Democrat in the past, was the first independent candidate to file in the 4th District to replace retiring Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
Organizers describe Getty’s effort as one of the largest independent congressional petition drives in recent Illinois history.
Getty’s campaign emerged after there was widespread concern across the district that voters were denied a meaningful and competitive Democratic primary.
Chuy Garcia waited until after the March filing deadline closed before announcing he would not seek re-election — leaving his Chief of Staff, Patty Garcia (no relation), as the only name on the Democratic primary ballot.
What began as outrage quickly became organization.
Volunteers across working-class neighborhoods, immigrant communities, union households, churches, and small businesses came together to build the petition drive over 12 weeks, spanning Chicago neighborhoods including Brighton Park, Pilsen, and Bridgeport, as well as southwestern suburbs including Cicero, Berwyn, Lyons, Brookfield, Burbank, and other communities across the district.
“At a time when Americans are questioning whether their voices still matter, the answer cannot be fewer choices or decisions made behind closed doors,” Getty said. “The answer is to trust voters again. 20,000 signatures is not just a number. It’s a statement from thousands of our neighbors who want their voice back.”
Getty, 43, has served as mayor of Lyons since 2009, when he was elected at age 26 — the youngest mayor in Illinois history at the time. He has been re-elected by his community four times and also serves as Supervisor of Lyons Township.
“I’ve spent 17 years proving that when you focus on collaboration instead of conflict, you can actually get things done for the people you serve,” Getty said. “That’s the record I’m bringing to this race. Not promises, results. Not party loyalty, accountability to the voters.”
Getty’s campaign platform centers on real representation accountable to voters rather than party leadership; relief for working families facing rising housing costs and cost-of-living pressures; humane immigration reform that protects families and respects the rule of law; investment in jobs, small business, and economic opportunity for the district’s working-class communities; and transparent, accessible constituent service modeled on his 17-year record in Lyons.
“The people of this district are not asking for chaos,” Getty said. “They are asking for fairness. They are asking to be heard. And they are asking for the right to choose their own future.”
Two other Democrats have expressed interest in running as independents in the 4th District.
Mayra Macias, a former field organizer for President Barack Obama, said in December she would run. Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez (25th) announced plans to run in February.
Lupe Castillo, a former 22nd Ward Republican Committeewoman, also is running for the seat.
The election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3.