Daily Herald opinion: No place for political games. Moylan, Garcia should have been up front about plans to retire

Political campaigns have always been a rough-and-tumble sport, and the playing field is rarely level.

But when politicians game the system in an attempt to hand-pick their successors, other potentially strong candidates and voters seeking ballot choices wind up the losers.

This week, Democratic state Rep. Marty Moylan of Des Plaines and U.S. Rep Chuy Garcia announced they would not seek reelection, but they waited to share the news until the final day of candidate filing. Both had filed paperwork the week before signaling their intention to seek another term.

In a convenient turn of events, both lawmakers’ chiefs of staff had collected enough signatures to get on the ballot, clearing their way to win the Democratic primary unopposed.

Coincidence? We think not.

“There was nothing underhanded,” Moylan said of his decision to pull out of the race after filing. “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.”

Yes, anybody can gather signatures and get on the ballot. However, many would-be challengers are hesitant to run against entrenched, well-funded incumbents like Moylan and Garcia.

Both Moylan and Garcia cited health concerns and age as reasons for not running for reelection.

We understand and respect that. Realizing that you don’t have the energy to serve another term is admirable.

The way they went about it, however, reeks of Chicago machine politics.

“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,” Urban Center CEO Juan 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.”

Others declined to seek reelection in 2026 with greater notice and transparency.

Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, the longest-serving member of the suburban delegation in Congress, announced her retirement at the end of her term.

A Kentucky Derby-sized field of challengers — 17 Democrats and four Republicans — is in the crowded race for the 9th Congressional District, meaning voters of both parties have a choice in the primary before their candidates face off in November.

Justin Cochran, Moylan’s chief of staff, and Patty Garcia, Garcia’s chief of staff, might end up being great lawmakers if elected.

However, they should make their case to win over voters, and an 11th hour announcement by their bosses isn’t the best way to get started.