Congress

Gutierrez to Announce He Won't Seek Re-Election: Sources

NOTE: NBC Chicago will live stream a "major announcement" by Gutierrez at 1 p.m. CT right here. Watch live above.

NBC 5 has learned Congressman Luis Gutierrez will announce Tuesday he is not running for re-election after 24 years on Capitol Hill, sources say. Gutierrez telephoned key Democratic leaders late this afternoon to let them know of his plans. Calls to Gutierrez Monday evening have not been returned.

Already printing petitions Monday night-- to begin the process of getting signatures before next Monday's deadline -- is Cook County Commissioner Jesus Chuy Garcia. Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa is considering a congressional race. This will also leave an opening on the county board should Garcia opt for Gutierrez's seat.

Those interested in running for Gutierrez's seat besides Garcia and Ramirez Rosa include Ald. Joe Moreno and Ald. George Cardenas.

With the opening at County Board -- should Garcia run for Congress -- Ald. Rick Munoz is interested in Garcia's seat.

Insiders say the discussions of Gutierrez's retirement started over the weekend. Very few knew, but started mobilizing those who might be interested in running to replace Gutierrez. Whoever runs needs 862 signatures by next Monday, but candidates usually come with double what's needed.

Before his congressional career, Gutierrez served as the 26th ward alderman and was a close adviser to Mayor Harold Washington. He has been a leading voice for immigration reform as well as hurricane relief for Puerto Rico.

Since NBC 5 first broke the news that Gutierrez will not run for reelection, the phone lines are burning up as Chicago politicians look to reshuffle the deck.

Garcia will have his petitions to replace Gutierrez in Congress, as will Moreno, sources say.

The Gutierrez announcement, in which sources say the congressman will endorse Garcia, is expected at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Gutierrez handed in all of his petitions Monday but at the same time informed Mayor Rahm Emanuel of his decision not to run, a source familiar with the the matter told NBC 5.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story misspelled Rep. Gutierrez’s surname in some places.

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