(11-18-25) 23 House Democrats joined Republicans Tuesday to vote in favor of rebuking a progressive lawmaker Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García D-Illinois for an unfair move to tip the scales in his district’s next election.

Fox News – 23 House Dems defy Jeffries, vote to rebuke progressive over controversial election move

The House measure was led by one of his fellow Democrats…moderate Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.

Rep. Chuy García criticized after late withdrawal from primary

NBC Chicago

“Whereas on Nov. 6, after the filing deadline, Representative Garcia confirmed that he would not be seeking another term in 2026 and would be withdrawing his nomination, nominating petitions. Whereas Representative García’s chief of staff was the only Democrat who filed to run in the primary at the direction of Representative Garcia, undermining the process of a free and fair election.

“García’s actions are beneath the dignity of his office and incompatible with the spirit of the Constitution.”

“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the House of Representatives disapproves of the behavior of the representative from Illinois, Mr. García, under rule nine, a resolution offered from the floor by a member other than the majority leader or the minority leader as a question of the privileges of the House, has immediate precedence.”

It passed in a 236 to 183 vote, with 23 Democrats voting with the GOP to rebuke García. Four lawmakers voted “present” — including Reps. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio and Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives can vote “present” to abstain from voting for or against a measure, while Senators typically abstain by a verbal declaration or simply not casting a vote. 

In the House of Representatives

  • Purpose: A “present” vote allows a Representative to indicate they are present for the vote but choose not to take a side (neither “yea” nor “nay”).
  • Effect: A “present” vote does not count toward or against the passage of a bill. The outcome of a vote is determined by a majority of “yea” or “nay” votes.
  • Quorum: It does contribute to the quorum count, which is the minimum number of members required to be in attendance for the House to conduct business legally.
  • Reasons: Members might vote “present” for various reasons, including:
    • To declare a personal conflict of interest.
    • To make a political statement or legislative tactic, often to highlight the opposing party’s position or pressure them to secure more votes.
    • To avoid taking a difficult position that might displease constituents or the party leadership. 

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y said-

“He is a good man who has always prioritized the people he represents, even while experiencing unthinkable family tragedy. We unequivocally oppose this misguided resolution and urge our colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus to reject it.”

Statement from Congressman García’s Spokesperson

November 12, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli, spokesperson for Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement: 

“Congressman García made a deeply personal decision based on his health, his wife’s worsening condition and his responsibility to the grandchildren he is raising after the death of his daughter. He followed every rule and every filing requirement laid out by the State of Illinois. 

At a moment like this, he hopes his colleagues, especially those who speak about family values, can show the same compassion and respect that any family would want during a health crisis. Congressman García remains committed to finishing his term with dignity and continuing his lifelong fight for working families.”