The Latest Breaking News from Jesús “Chuy” Garcia

CHICAGO — With the control of Congress up for grabs in this fall’s election, Democrats and Republicans can ill-afford to lose any House seats — and issues from the economy to abortion could help decide which way voters break in Illinois and elsewhere.

Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia knows that mayoral petitions are being circulated on his behalf and has not discouraged it, petition drive leader Clem Balanoff told the Sun-Times.

On Thursday, Jitu Brown, national director for Journey for Justice Alliance (J4J), queried people at the nation’s capital with questions like: “Raise your hand if you’ve ever experienced a slumlord. Raise your hand if you live in a neighborhood where you don’t have a decent hospital. Raise your hand if…

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

The poll was commissioned by the Nuestro PAC, a national political action committee that’s urging U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia to run against Mayor Lori Lightfoot and other contenders.

“It appears more likely that he’s not going to run. That he’s moving in the direction of retiring,” said veteran political operative Victor Reyes, who has known the Burkes for years. “Redistricting put him at a significant disadvantage.”

In March, the Democratic congressman all but ruled out a mayoral campaign — despite calling Lightfoot more vulnerable than any Chicago mayor in 40 years. Now, he’s pegging the odds that he will run at 50-50.

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Nearly 80 people seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border were sent to Chicago by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as part of his plan to move them to Democrat-led cities; Blasting Abbott’s actions as racist, xenophobic, Lightfoot said, “We’re ready. We are the village.”