Chuy Garcia not running for mayor of Chicago

County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia has decided not to run for mayor, a surprise move with potential to boost the mayoral campaign of County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and create an opening for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Last week, Garcia's supporters were telling everyone who would listen that their man would join the crowded race for mayor to succeed Rahm Emanuel.

Four years ago, Garcia forced Emanuel into Chicago's first mayoral runoff even though he got a late start, was outspent by a four-to-one margin and Preckwinkle refused to endorse Garcia, who served as her county board floor leader.

This time, Garcia firmly believed he could capitalize on his strong showing in the March primary as the anointed Democratic congressional nominee who carried all of the candidates he endorsed.

But on Monday, Garcia gathered his cabinet together to tell them that he had decided not to enter the mayor's race in spite of the "Draft Chuy" movement launched by retiring U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez.