U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley announced Thursday that he has decided not to run for mayor in 2023.
Quigley, a member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, cited the war in Ukraine as a factor in his decision.
“On this most recent trip with my colleagues from the Intelligence Committee, it became clear our work will continue for months, if not years. After much consideration, I simply cannot walk away from my duty to safeguard democracy, fight for American values abroad, and stand up for the brave Ukrainian people in their time of maximum peril. Campaigning to serve as Mayor of Chicago would not allow me to fulfill this critical obligation.
“The great city I love faces unprecedented challenges on crime, schools, equity and fiscal matters that demand 100% full-time commitment from our mayor. At age 53, I would have relished the opportunity to get Chicago back on track. If I’m being completely honest, at 63, I don’t think my family and I can make this kind of commitment.”
So far, Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) and millionaire businessman Willie Wilson have declared their intention to run for mayor next year.
Arne Duncan has decided against a mayoral run.
Paul Vallas has said he’ll decide by Memorial Day.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot has not announced if she’ll seek reelection.
The mayor issued a statement calling Quigley “a consistent dedicated advocate for his constituents and the residents of Chicago.
“As we face these challenging times overseas, I respect Rep. Quigley’s leadership in trying to end the war in Ukraine and his efforts to safeguard democracies across the world. I look forward to continuing to work with him and his staff to ensure that Chicago gets its fair share of federal dollars and that we continue to lift up the needs of our Chicago communities in Washington, D.C.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
