Foster daughter of Illinois Dem. Representative Chuy Garcia dies at age 28
Foster daughter of Illinois Dem. representative Chuy Garcia dies at the age of 28: ‘We did our best to provide her with a stable, loving and hospitable home’
- Political loyal Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) of Chicago has announced the death of his daughter, 28, and describes the loss as heartbreaking for the family
- García did not disclose a cause of death in his brief statement, but asked for privacy at this difficult time
- Rosa was one of three grown children and the only daughter of the 66-year-old congressman and his wife Evelyn
Chicago political staunch Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) has announced the death of his daughter, 28, and describes the loss as heartbreaking for the family.
García did not disclose a cause of death in his brief statement, writing: “Last night our beloved daughter, Rosa, passed away at the age of 28. Our family is heartbroken,” García said in a statement.
“Rosa came to our family as a young girl who had been in the foster care system. We have done our best to provide her with a stable, loving and welcoming home.
“Our family requests privacy and welcomes your thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.”
Rosa was one of three grown children and the only daughter of the 66-year-old congressman and his wife Evelyn.
Political loyal Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.) of Chicago has announced the death of his daughter, 28, and describes the loss as heartbreaking for the family
García ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Chicago twice and, according to the Chicago grandstand spoke of the fear he felt about his son Sam’s involvement with street gangs during his bid earlier this year.
“I almost lost my son to the gangs,” García said in an ad. “We can’t afford to lose another child.”
News of Garcia’s daughter’s death came on the same day as the runoff for Chicago’s mayoral race. Garcia ran for the pole, but came fourth in February, eliminating him from the race.
García has worked in the political sphere in Chicago for nearly three decades and was elected to Congress in 2018.
The two-time mayoral candidate failed to qualify for Tuesday’s runoff after taking about 14 percent of the general election on Feb. 18.
He supports fellow Democrat Brandon Johnson in the second round of Tuesday’s election, joining Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass. ).
Johnson tweeted, “My deepest condolences go out to Rep. Garcia during this difficult time.
“Losing a child is a tragedy no parent should ever experience.
“I hope Rep. Garcia and his family find comfort in the memories of Rosa’s kindness and spirit amidst this deep sorrow.”
Polls showed Johnson tied with ex-Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, another Democrat, in the second round.
But a new poll released Monday showed Vallas had a slight lead.
News of Garcia’s daughter’s death came on the same day as the runoff for Chicago’s mayoral race. He supports fellow Democrat Brandon Johnson who expressed his condolences on Twitter
The Victory Research survey showed him at 49.6 percent to Johnson’s 45.4 percent, with a margin of error of 3.27 percent.
The pair received the most votes in the general election, ousting incumbent mayor Lori Lightfoot, who received only about 17 percent of the vote.
Lightfoot blamed racism and sexism for her defeat, though her position has been rigorously scrutinized as crime soars in the windswept city.
“I am a black woman in America. Of course,” she told reporters while claiming her tenure had been “the honor of her life.”