Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington has moved to sanction Illinois Rep. Chuy García for his retirement strategy, which he used to ensure his chief of staff would be the sole Democrat on the ballot to succeed him. The resolution, which frames García’s move as undermining free and fair elections, could see action in the House next week.
The resolution, introduced by Gluesenkamp Perez as a “question of privileges of the House,” is notable for its potential impact on the legislative process. It calls García’s maneuver “beneath the dignity of his office and incompatible with the spirit of the Constitution.” García’s spokesperson, Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli, defended the decision, stating that it was based on personal health reasons, his wife’s worsening condition, and his responsibility to his grandchildren following the death of his daughter.
García followed all the procedural requirements set by the State of Illinois, according to Rodriguez-Ciamp, and hopes his colleagues, especially those who speak about family values, will show the same compassion and respect during a health crisis. However, some Democrats have expressed confusion and concern about Gluesenkamp Perez’s decision to sow party disunity during a critical legislative moment.
Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.) suggested there are other ways to handle the situation, arguing that the focus should be on the messaging battle for all Americans right now. Meanwhile, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark was seen making an impassioned case to Gluesenkamp Perez on the floor before she sought recognition and offered her resolution. Clark then spoke with Perez after she had finished.
In her two terms on Capitol Hill representing one of the most swingy congressional districts in the country, Gluesenkamp Perez has made a name for herself by going against the grain. Earlier this year, she called for new ethics standards to ensure that lawmakers could perform their duties without being hindered by significant irreversible cognitive impairment. She also slammed García’s move as “fundamentally undemocratic,” emphasizing that Americans bled and died to secure the right to elect their leaders. The statement underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for further division within the Democratic Party.