Robert Garcia

Robert Garcia is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for California's 42nd congressional district, which includes Long Beach and parts of southeast Los Angeles. Born in Lima, Peru, he immigrated to the United States at the age of five and became a U.S. citizen in his 20s. Garcia earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies and a doctorate in higher education from California State University, Long Beach, as well as a master's degree from the University of Southern California. Before his legislative career, he worked as a university educator and founded a local news website. Garcia's political career began on the Long Beach City Council, where he served from 2009 to 2014, including a term as vice mayor. In 2014, he was elected as the 28th Mayor of Long Beach, becoming the first Latino, the first openly LGBTQ person, and the youngest person to hold that office in the city's history. During his tenure as mayor, he was recognized for his management of the COVID-19 pandemic and for launching programs such as tuition-free community college and universal basic income pilots. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 and took office in January 2023, making history as the first LGBTQ immigrant to serve in Congress.

Representative Garcia identifies as a progressive Democrat and supports a range of liberal policy initiatives. He advocates for universal healthcare through Medicare for All and is a staunch supporter of reproductive rights and gender-affirming care. His economic platform includes raising the federal minimum wage, supporting labor unions, and expanding the social safety net through programs like guaranteed income. On immigration, he supports the DREAM Act and comprehensive reform to create pathways to citizenship for undocumented residents. His environmental policy focuses on addressing the climate crisis through the Green New Deal and transitioning the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels. Additionally, he is a vocal proponent of gun safety legislation, having introduced bills to regulate ammunition sales, and is active in efforts to reform government oversight as the Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee.