By: Ashmar Mandou

Former Chief of Staff to Congressman Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia, Patty Garcia, progressive democrat, launched her campaign for Congress in Illinois’ 4th Congressional District at La Chiquita on Wednesday morning. La Chiquita, a local grocery store is where Garcia got her first job as a teenager. Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, Garcia shared the lessons learned behind the counter — lessons about hard work, dignity, and fairness that have guided her ever since. “At this job, I met countless women who stretched every dollar they had to keep food on the table. I learned what it means to work hard, to listen, and to be part of something bigger than yourself,” said Patty Garcia, candidate for Congress (IL-04). Those same values are why I’m running for Congress. Because right now, too many people in our community can’t get ahead, no matter how they work. It’s time for leaders in Congress with the courage to actually fight for working people.”

Garcia was joined by Evelyn Garcia, State Senators Celina Villanueva and Javier Cervantes, State Reps. Aaron Ortiz, Edgar Gonzalez, and Norma Hernandez; Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya, and Alderpeople Jeylu Gutierrez and Mike Rodriguez; Chicago Board of Education member Yesenia Lopez, MWRD Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda, and District Councilor Elianne Bahena. “I’ve watched Patty Garcia bring people together — not for the cameras, but for real change. As an organizer, Patty has helped build progressive power in the suburbs from the ground up,” said Rep. Norma Hernandez. “Patty knows how to listen, how to lead, and how to turn everyday struggles into collective action. That’s exactly the kind of leader we need in office.” If elected, Garcia will be the first woman to represent Illinois’ 4th district in Congress and the first Mexican-American woman to represent the Midwest.

Photo Credit: Office of Democratic Candidate Patty Garcia