Democratic Rep. Luis Gutiérrez (Ill.) is expected to announce on Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2018, according to multiple reports.
Three Democrats with knowledge of Gutiérrez's decision told Politico that the congressman, who has held his seat since 1993, will withdraw the nominating petitions he just filed on Monday. The Associated Press also reported that Gutiérrez will retire, citing a "Washington Democrat," and the lawmaker confirmed to Fox News that he plans to run for another office, just not Congress.
Gutiérrez, a leading national voice on immigration reform, is expected to formally endorse Cook County commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia to fill his seat in the House. Petition filing opened on Monday, and candidates hoping to snag the open seat will have to turn in nearly 7,000 signatures in less than a week.
The Illinois representative began discussions with Garcia on Friday after polling showed that Garcia has a strong lead over other possible opponents.
Gutiérrez has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration, particularly its immigration policies and response to the hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico.
Gutiérrez’s spokesman, Douglas Rivlin, said that he could not comment on Monday.
"I don’t know anything. I don't know anything," he told Politico.
Garcia will begin his circulation of petitions for Gutiérrez's seat on Tuesday.