By: Pepe Torres
Robert Garcia announced on Twitter he’d run for Congress in the newly configured 42nd Congressional District which includes Long Beach and some southeast cities such as Downey, Bell and Bell Gardens.
At present, there are only 9 LGBTQ+ members in the U.S. House and Garcia with his strong early support from the Community could make that number 10. If elected, Garcia would be the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the United States Congress from the greater Los Angeles area. Robert Garcia is a two-term mayor and past councilmember of Long Beach.
“We are building a coalition of local city leaders, mayors, members of Congress, LGBTQ+ and progressive organizations, labor unions, and most importantly local neighbors & friends to win this campaign,” posted Garcia on his FB page.
“My mom brought me to this country and risked everything so that I could become an American,” Garcia says in a Twitter video. “She came here never doubting that America was a place where her immigrant son could succeed. That’s why today, I am fighting for every kid to get the same shot that this country gave me.” Garcia’s mother sadly passed away from COVID-19.
Born in Peru, Garcia became a U.S. citizen at the age of 21 and has said immigration policies have always been a priority. When he was elected mayor in 2014, he became the first Latino, immigrant and LGBTQ elected mayor in the City of Long Beach’s history.
“I believe people, all people, should be treated with decency and respect,” Garcia said. “Those are the values I’ve brought to City Hall, and what I will bring to Congress.”
As quoted in the Long Beach Press Telegram, Garcia is proud of his progressive policies, including rental assistance and eviction moratoriums. He also persuaded the City Council to launch a guaranteed-income pilot program.
Garcia has served in leadership at the National Conference of Mayors and was among a group of young leaders appearing (via Zoom) at the 2020 Democratic Convention. Besides stumping for Harris and Biden, Garcia has also become a close ally of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The 42nd Congressional District has long been a safe one for Democrats. Garcia’s name recognition, campaign stumping for Biden/Harris in 2020 and his popularity in Long Beach places him in a strong position for this congressional seat.
To learn more about Robert Garcia and his policy positions, please visit his twitter page @RobertGarcia or his campaign page at www.RobertGarcia.com.