Robert Garcia

Democrat Representative of California's 42nd district

202-225-7924

@RepRobertGarcia

robertgarcia.house.gov

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December 2, 1977 (47 years old)

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Peruvian American educator and politician
Served as the 28th mayor of Long Beach, California, from 2014 to 2022
First openly LGBT mayor and first Latino mayor of Long Beach
Second person of color to be mayor of Long Beach
Served as vice mayor of Long Beach from 2012 to 2014
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022
First Peruvian-American elected to Congress
Leading figure in the expulsion of George Santos from Congress
Immigrated to the United States at age 5
Graduated from California State University, Long Beach, and received a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California
Received a Doctor of Education degree in educational policy
Taught courses in communication and public policy
Founded the Long Beach Post, a local news website
Authored or cosponsored over 20 pieces of legislation as a councilmember
Supported various community and environmental initiatives as mayor
Led efforts in economic development, public safety, and infrastructure improvement
Advocated for labor and worker rights, including the unionization of various sectors
Committed to environmental and climate change initiatives
Strong supporter of Medicare for All and public health programs
Faced controversy over a mayoral campaign donation and past Republican activism
Endorsed Gavin Newsom for governor and served as a California state co-chair for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign
Married to Matthew Mendez, a professor at California State University, Long Beach