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Lyons Mayor Chris Getty Announces Candidacy for Illinois’ 4th Congressional District
Videos of the announcement are at the end of the news story to view.
Chicago, IL – Chris Getty, elected the youngest mayor in Illinois at age 26, announced Thursday that he is a candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 4th District, following U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s decision not to seek re-election.
Getty criticized the manner in which García announced his retirement, stating that waiting until the last minute to name his chief of staff as a successor “denies voters a true election and the public accountability taxpayers in this district deserve.”
Speaking to a packed audience at Gibson’s Restaurant in Oak Brook, Getty addressed the uncertainty many Americans are feeling amid a struggling economy, shifting national and state policies, and increasing political polarization. He said those same types of challenges motivated him to first seek public office in 2009.
“I didn’t get into public service for recognition or titles,” Getty said. “I got into it because of how I was raised. I grew up in a household where being involved in the community wasn’t optional — it was expected. At our dinner table, conversations weren’t about status or power; they were about responsibility, service, and leaving things better than you found them. You didn’t sit on the sidelines and complain. You stepped up, you spoke out, and you helped any way you could. That’s where my belief in public service was born. I learned early on that real power comes when people are united.”
Getty reflected on the political climate in Lyons when he first ran for mayor.
“There was political turmoil. Residents felt ignored. Services were inconsistent. Too often, those in power were more focused on fighting each other than fighting for the people they were elected to serve,” he said. “I heard the frustration every day from neighbors, business owners, seniors, and families. I believe that if you see a problem, you have a responsibility to step up — so I did.”
He said those early challenges shaped his leadership philosophy as he worked to strengthen Lyons.
“We proved something important: when you focus on collaboration instead of conflict, progress is possible,” Getty said. “That lesson stays with me. When I look at Washington today, I see the same problems we faced back then — endless division, dysfunction, and leaders more interested in political games than public service. And once again, everyday people are the ones left paying the price.”
Getty expressed concern about the nation’s economic instability, rising costs for groceries and healthcare, and what he described as a political system disconnected from everyday Americans.
“Families are choosing between groceries and gas. Small businesses are fighting to survive. Communities are wondering why common sense and decency seem to have disappeared,” he said.
Referring again to the succession decision in the 4th District, Getty added:
“Recently, we saw our current congressman choose to bypass the democratic process, handpicking his successor instead of allowing voters to decide who represents them. No open debate. No real choice. No voice for the people. That’s not how democracy is supposed to work. Representation is earned — not inherited. Leadership should be accountable, and the people should always have the final say. We deserve better.”
Acknowledging that “the road won’t be easy,” Getty said that while he remains a loyal Democrat, he is prepared to run as an Independent candidate in the November 2026 general election.
“I didn’t come here tonight just to talk about what’s broken,” Getty declared. “I came here to talk about what we’re going to do about it. That is why I am officially declaring myself an Independent candidate for the United States Congress. I’m running as an Independent because this moment demands an independent voice.”
“I don’t answer to a party — I answer to the people,” he continued. “Our country is facing serious challenges: rising costs, immigration and public safety concerns, economic uncertainty, and a political system that feels increasingly disconnected from reality. We don’t need more partisan talking points or backroom deals. We need leaders who unite us and put the people first.”
Getty emphasized that his campaign is focused on unity and accountability.
“Let me be clear — this campaign is not about tearing anyone down. It’s about lifting this district up. It’s about restoring something basic and powerful: the idea that democracy belongs to the people.
“They may have thought they could take this choice away from us. They may have thought this election was already decided. But they underestimated this community, and they underestimated the strength in this room.”
About Chris Getty
The Village of Lyons, incorporated in 1888, is a historic community just outside Chicago with nearly 11,000 residents and hundreds of businesses.
As mayor, Getty ensures that village laws and ordinances are upheld. He oversees more than 100 government employees and works alongside the Village’s Board of Trustees, comprised of eight elected officials.
Getty also serves as Supervisor of the Township of Lyons, which includes 17 municipalities and more than 115,000 residents. As chairman of the Township Board, he works to foster strong relationships among elected officials and the communities they represent.
Outside of his work in local government, Getty is president of Getty Insurance, a second-generation agency founded in 1972. He is licensed in property, casualty, health, and life insurance.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications from Eastern Illinois University.
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