Rep. Luis Gutierrez To Move To Puerto Rico Next Year: Report

CHICAGO, IL — Rep. Luis Gutierrez said he's planning to move to Puerto Rico next year, according to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times. The Illinois Democrat is retiring in November, and plans to help rebuild the hurricane-ravaged island in person. His parents were from Puerto Rico, and had a second home on the island for years.

The lawmaker has represented Illinois' 4th congressional district since 1993. Gutierrez emphasized during a press conference late last year that he's not "retiring" and will continue his fight for equality and just immigration laws.

“I was born in Chicago. I love Chicago. Chicago and I, we have a bond there," Gutierrez told the Sun-Times on Saturday. "But I have to go back home. I have to go back to my other home. I have to go back there and rebuild that island."

Gutierrez has been a leader in challenging President Donald Trump's immigration orders and pushing for federal aid to help rebuild Puerto Rico.

According to several reports late last year, Gutierrez was eyeing a possible 2020 presidential run. The lawmaker has decided he's not going to make a White House bid, according to the Sun-Times report.

From 1986 until his election to Congress, Gutierrez served as an alderman representing the 26th Ward. His parents moved to Chicago from Puerto Rico, and he was born and raised in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Gutierrez plans to help his daughter, Jessica, win election as the 30th Ward alderman.

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Image provided by Rep. Gutierrez's office