Democratic activist Mayra Macias launched an independent campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, seeking to replace Illinois Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, which could hinder the state leader's plan to appoint a top aide as his successor.

Garcia's surprise retirement announcement In early November, he sparked controversy and provoked a reprimand from his own party. Since the congressman announced his retirement after the filing deadline, Patty Garcia was the only one who managed to obtain the necessary signatures before March, the deadline to register as a Democrat. However, there is still time to register as an independent in the general election, as signatures do not need to be submitted until May. A lifelong Democrat who, if elected, will work with Democrats in Congress, Macias is running as an independent, pledging to “give the residents of the 4th District the opportunity to choose their future representative in November and be a voice in Washington that will work tirelessly to improve their lives.” Mayra Macias, originally from Barrio de las Empacadoras, a former educator and national advocate for working families and the Latino community, was raised in a working-class family of Mexican immigrant parents. In her campaign, she asserts that she will confront the Trump Administration's attacks on immigrants and fight for cost reductions for the Illinois families.

According to her autobiography, her career has been dedicated to strengthening the Latino community and working-class families. She is running a community-based campaign and will not accept funds from corporate political action committees (PACs).

“Nothing has come easy to me. Growing up in Barrio de las Empacadoras, I saw my father work as a garbage collector and my mother as a home care provider. I learned the value of hard work from a very young age, and that has guided me throughout my life,” said Mayra Macias.“I have dedicated my career to serving others, from being a high school teacher to leading a national organization working alongside the Biden-Harris Administration to pass transformative legislation that invested in the people of our district, including requiring pharmaceutical companies to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs,” she continued. “Now I am running for Congress because for many, life remains unaffordable. The cost of rent, food, health care, and everything in between is simply still too expensive and out of reach for families like mine since my childhood. My campaign will focus on tackling this affordability crisis that Trump has only made worse, protecting our community from his cruel and reckless deportations, and stopping a petty dictator who is undermining our democracy,” she concluded.