Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is calling for accountability from fellow House Democrat Chuy García regarding the timing of his retirement announcement. Gluesenkamp Perez argues that García's retirement, which allowed his hand-picked successor to be the sole candidate for his safely blue House seat, constitutes "election subversion" and undermines the process of a free and fair election.
Gluesenkamp Perez plans to force a vote on a resolution to condemn García, utilizing special procedural powers that increase the likelihood of a vote. She stated that election subversion is wrong regardless of who is involved and that Americans desire transparency and accountability.
This move occurs amidst Democratic efforts to unify messaging, and Gluesenkamp Perez believes sanctioning García will demonstrate her party's integrity. García announced his retirement on November 4, citing health and familial reasons.
However, his chief of staff filed petitions to run for the seat the day before the filing deadline. García's office maintains he followed all state requirements and that his decision was personal, related to his health, his wife's condition, and his family responsibilities.
Gluesenkamp Perez hopes her resolution will be considered based on its merits and facts, separate from partisan politics.
