TOP RACE
Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42)
Democrat - California
Running for House
Rep. Robert Garcia was born in Lima, Peru, immigrated to the United States as a child, and was raised in Southern California. Before serving in Congress, he was a teacher, higher-education administrator, Long Beach City Council member, Vice Mayor, and Mayor of Long Beach. Elected to Congress in 2022, Garcia quickly emerged as a prominent Democratic voice on government oversight, housing policy, infrastructure investment, and LGBTQ+ rights. He became the first second-term House Democrat in more than a century to be elected Ranking Member of a major congressional committee.
PARTY: Democrat
ELECTED: 2022
EDUCATION: California State University, Long Beach (BA), University of Southern California (MA), California State University, Long Beach (EdD)
OCCUPATION PRIOR TO CONGRESSIONAL SERVICE: Educator, Mayor of Long Beach, California
BORN: December 2, 1977
First-time candidates do not yet have a voting record.
"Becoming a citizen is my proudest moment, and it's the reason I went into public service."
- Rep. Robert Garcia
POLITICAL CAREER
Elected to represent California's 42nd Congressional District (2022)
Served as the 28th Mayor of Long Beach (2014–2022)
Served as Vice Mayor of Long Beach (2012–2014)
Elected to the Long Beach City Council (2009)
COMMITTEES SERVED ON
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Ranking Member)
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
INTERESTING FACTS
First openly LGBTQ immigrant elected to Congress.
Was the youngest elected mayor in Long Beach history at the time of his election.
A self-described comic book enthusiast who took his congressional oath of office using a rare Superman comic book.
Helped launch tuition-free community college programs and a universal basic income pilot while mayor of Long Beach.
