By Jim Talamonti
The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez has begun his campaign for reelection and is simultaneously striving to secure a spot on the Congressional ballot. This move comes despite the recent unsealing of divorce records where his ex-wife accused him of using marital funds for prostitutes and pornography, allegations which Sigcho-Lopez firmly denies.
Sigcho-Lopez, who has represented Chicago’s 25th Ward since 2019, was married to Patricia Sigcho from 2007 until their divorce in April 2012. He had previously sought to seal the dissipation claim records in 2012, citing concerns over the potential impact on his career as a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois and his academic aspirations.
The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy recently succeeded in their petition to unseal the divorce records, arguing that Illinois residents have a right to thoroughly evaluate public officials. DuPage County Judge Robert E. Douglas ordered the records unsealed, noting their relevance regardless of whether the events occurred before or after Sigcho-Lopez sought office.
The unsealed documents detail allegations from his ex-wife that Sigcho-Lopez spent marital funds on escort services and pornography. Adam Florek, the attorney for the Coalition, emphasized the importance of public access to such information for evaluating a candidate’s character.
Florek, who is also associated with FOIA Solved and operates Florek Law, remarked on the importance of transparency in government and highlighted the First Amendment’s role in ensuring public access to relevant information. He noted that Sigcho-Lopez’s legal team has filed an appeal to re-seal the records, though they remain accessible through the DuPage County e-access website.
Addressing the issue during his campaign launch in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, Sigcho-Lopez expressed that the divorce records are not a concern for him. He attributed the controversy to a defamation effort by AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, though AIPAC did not provide a comment on the matter.
Sigcho-Lopez, undeterred by potential political attacks, stated, “I’m always used to big fights. I think that if we’re not having opponents that are financed by the billionaire class, we’re not doing our job.”
The litigation involving Sigcho-Lopez is linked to his ambition to run for the U.S. House in Illinois’ Fourth Congressional District as an independent. However, his petition was rejected by the state elections board. Following this, Sigcho-Lopez criticized Democratic Party nominee Patty Garcia and U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia as being “two individuals hiding from the public.”
Despite his team filing a federal lawsuit to challenge the board’s decision, Sigcho-Lopez acknowledged the slim chances of being on the November ballot. He remains committed to advocating for his constituents and hopes to reduce barriers for future independent candidates.
