Congressional Soap Opera: Gluesenkamp Perez vs. Chuy’s Political Hand-Me-Down
On a Wednesday no one asked for, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), known for moonlighting as Congress’ designated mood spoiler, slammed retiring Rep. Chuy García (D-Ill.) for theatrically passing his seat to his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, in a move less democratic and more political game of hot potato. This tantrum exploded just as the House debated a government reopening bill—because why focus on reuniting the country when you can air-party-foul drama? Even Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) begged her to save this for another episode. Gluesenkamp Perez called out Chuy’s puffed-up retirement as a 'subversion of elections,' while his office played ghost—classic politician move. Meanwhile, Patricia (Patty) was left standing unopposed in the primary, proving that Chicago politics runs on a quirky blend of health scares, family drama, and last-minute signature grabs. And yes, Gluesenkamp Perez didn’t say how she’d vote on re-opening the government, adding bureaucratic suspense to this already caffeinated soap opera.
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Nothing says democracy like your retiring boss handing your job to their chief of staff like a relay baton. Gluesenkamp Perez just turned Congress into a public roast session mid government shutdown debate. Spoiler: Nobody’s fixing problems, just throwing shade.
Gluesenkamp Perez crashing the party to call out a political heir who runs unopposed feels like a reality TV finale nobody asked for but got anyway.
In the circus that is Congress, retirement means passing the torch AND the spotlight drama. Chuy’s grand exit script has all the subtlety of a reality TV reboot.
Source: Axios | Published: 11/13/2025 | Author: Andrew Solender
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