He's the first LGBTQ+ immigrant in Congress and a powerful voice on the House Oversight Committee. But Robert Garcia’s journey from Peru to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., is a story of education, local leadership, and firsts.
From Lima, Peru to Southern California
Robert Garcia was born in Lima, Peru, in 1977 and immigrated to the United States with his mother at the age of five. Raised in Southern California, his family, like many others, was seeking a better life and more opportunity. His mother and aunt took on jobs as housekeepers to support the family. Garcia often credits this upbringing with instilling in him a deep appreciation for the value of hard work. He became a U.S. citizen in his twenties, an event he describes as his proudest moment and a primary motivator
for his entry into public service. This immigrant experience is not just a biographical detail; it is a core part of his political identity and informs his advocacy on issues related to immigration and civil rights.
An Educator First
Before he was a mayor or a congressman, Robert Garcia was an educator. His academic path was extensive: he earned a bachelor's degree in communication studies from California State University, Long Beach, a master's from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate in higher education from Cal State Long Beach. He put those degrees to work, teaching courses in communication and public policy at USC, Cal State Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. Garcia has said that he sees himself as an educator who happens to be an elected official, a perspective that has heavily influenced his policy priorities. This background fueled his passion for expanding educational opportunities, a theme that would become central to his political career.
Forging a Path in Long Beach Politics
Garcia's political career began at the local level. In 2009, he was elected to the Long Beach City Council. His star rose quickly, and by 2012, his colleagues unanimously elected him Vice Mayor. In 2014, he made history by winning the mayoral election, becoming the youngest, first openly LGBTQ+, and first Latino mayor in the city's history. Over his two terms, Garcia focused on economic development, education, and public health. He championed the Long Beach College Promise, a program offering a free year of tuition at the local community college and guaranteed admission to Cal State Long Beach for qualified students. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic received national recognition, though the pandemic also brought personal tragedy, as he lost both his mother and stepfather to the virus.
Making History on Capitol Hill
In 2022, Robert Garcia took his career to the national stage, winning the election for California's 42nd Congressional District, which includes Long Beach and surrounding communities. His election was another historic milestone, making him the first Peruvian American and first LGBTQ+ immigrant to serve in Congress. In a nod to his love for pop culture, which he credits with helping him learn English, he took his oath of office on a copy of the U.S. Constitution, a photo of his parents, and a rare original Superman comic. In Washington, he quickly established himself as a prominent progressive voice, becoming the Ranking Member of the powerful House Oversight Committee. His legislative priorities include tackling the housing crisis, addressing gun violence, and fighting for climate action.
