‘Nothing underhanded’: Moylan defends move to end reelection bid, set up staffer as replacement

Democratic state Rep. Marty Moylan of Des Plaines said a recent series of significant health battles is behind his decision to end his campaign for an eighth term in Springfield in favor of his chief of staff, Justin Cochran.

The former Des Plaines mayor and alderman said he considers himself in recovery mode but is weighing his ability to complete his current term representing the state House’s 55th District.

“There was nothing underhanded,” Moylan said of his decision to pull out of the race after filing last week to run for reelection. “Anyone who wants to run can get their petitions together and run. I wanted to see the transit bill done and move on. I’ll be 75 in a month. It’s time to move on.”

The move is being criticized by the Republican candidate for the 55th District seat, Joseph Johnson of Glenview.

“Illinois doesn’t need another handpicked insider chosen behind closed doors to represent the hardworking families of the 55th District,” he wrote in a social media post. “Instead of giving voters a fair choice, Rep. Moylan waited until the last day of filing to clear the field for his chosen successor.”

Moylan said his health issues started about a month ago, when there was still time for Cochran to begin circulating nominating petitions for himself.

“He knows the district’s work,” Moylan said of Cochran. “He works very well on service. He was a perfect choice.”

Cochran, who’s worked for Moylan since 2019, said the idea to step up was his own. He collected 1,000 petition signatures in about three weeks.

“I know that when Marty started having his health problems, I started to circulate petitions,” he said. “Marty thought it was a good idea.”

Cochran said he’s flattered by the amount of support he’s received from some people, but he’s also aware of the criticism.

“Politics has become a realm where people immediately jump to negativity anyway,” Cochran said.

A similar situation occurred Monday when Democratic U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia of Chicago’s Southwest side announced he would withdraw end his reelection campaign in the 4th District to support his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, who turned in nominating petitions near the filing deadline. She is now the only Democrat running in the heavily Democratic district.

Garcia’s maneuver was criticized by Juan Rangel, CEO of The Urban Center, a nonprofit that describes its mission as giving voice to a centrist community in Chicago and Illinois.

“Sadly, this is not a surprise move, it’s a classic machine maneuver from a career politician who seeks to deny voters a say on their representation,” Rangel said in a statement. “Shame on Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who built a reputation by casting himself as a reformer and a man of the people only to throw it away. This will be his legacy.”

Representatives of The Urban Center could not be immediately reached for comment on Moylan’s decision.