Progressive Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-López has initiated legal action against the Illinois State Board of Elections, seeking a place on the 4th Congressional District ballot. His lawsuit, filed recently, contests the board’s recent decision that disqualified him and Mayra Macías from the November ballot due to insufficient signatures. Sigcho-López contends that the ruling is based on unjust regulations that must be revised.
“We dedicated weeks to gathering signatures from numerous voters, only to face challenges in a hurried process with insufficient time to defend our efforts,” Sigcho-López stated. “The system seems to favor maintaining the status quo, benefiting party leaders at the expense of fair elections.” The lawsuit seeks to place Sigcho-López on the ballot and calls for the state law governing independent candidacies to be deemed unconstitutional.
This legal battle emerges from a contentious race marked by political maneuvering. Democratic nominee Patty García secured her candidacy after incumbent U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García announced retirement in sync with the primary ballot deadline. García’s announcement gave her an advantage, enabling her to collect signatures in time. Challenges from García supporters ensued, targeting the petitions of Sigcho-López and Macías.
Despite submitting over 17,000 signatures each, state authorities ruled that they lacked the valid count needed. The independents faced a steep challenge: nearly 11,000 valid signatures were required, vastly more than the 697 needed by García in the Democratic primary. Sigcho-López emphasized that his legal action, supported by resident José Guerra, aims to provide voters a genuine choice in the election.
“This is about more than just one campaign,” Sigcho-López asserted. “It’s about ensuring the 4th District’s election process reflects the people’s will, rather than insider decisions.” Thousands of supporters had backed them, and he insisted they deserved to have their voices acknowledged.
Mayra Macías is considering joining Sigcho-López’s lawsuit, acknowledging the slim odds of adding her name to the ballot through federal court action. “The disparity in thresholds for independents became evident to us,” Macías noted. Challenging the board’s decision might open future avenues for independent candidacies.
Representatives from the Illinois State Board of Elections and Patty García’s campaign did not comment on the lawsuit.