Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez sues in effort to get on ballot to replace Rep. 'Chuy' Garcia

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A candidate for Congress in Illinois' 4th District is suing over a law that requires a certain number of signatures to get on the ballot.

Chicago Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez says he was required to collect more than 10,000 signatures as an Independent, while candidates for Republican and Democratic parties only need a fraction of that number.

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Sigcho-Lopez says his team collected more than 17,000 signatures, but the state election board ruled fewer than 10,000 were valid.

He is suing to have his name added to the November ballot in an effort to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.

Garcia withdrew from the race late in the filing period.

The move drew criticism from some who viewed it as a backroom effort to clear the path for his chief of staff, Patty Garcia - no relation - to appear as the sole Democrat on the primary ballot.

The Board of Elections said it does not comment on pending litigation.