Mike Garcia (politician) explained

Mike Garcia
Office:Member of the
U.S. House of Representatives
from California
Constituency: (2020–2023)
(2023–present)
Term Start:May 19, 2020
Predecessor:Katie Hill
Birth Name:Michael Joseph Garcia
Birth Date:24 April 1976
Birth Place:Los Angeles, California, U.S.[1]
Residence:Santa Clarita, California, U.S.
Party:Republican
Children:2
Education:United States Naval Academy (BS)
Georgetown University (MA)
Allegiance: United States
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Battles:Iraq War
Serviceyears:1998–2009 (Active)
2009–2012 (Reserve)[2]

Michael Joseph Garcia (born April 24, 1976)[3] is an American politician and former United States Navy pilot serving as the U.S. representative for California's 27th congressional district. A Republican, he was first elected in a May 2020 special election and went on to win a full term in the general election.

Garcia was born in Granada Hills, California, and educated at Saugus High School, the United States Naval Academy, and Georgetown University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1998 to 2012, participating in multiple combat missions during the Iraq War. Following his active duty in the Navy he worked at Raytheon Intelligence & Space.

Garcia has faced and defeated Democratic nominee Christy Smith in all three of his successful elections: the 2020 special election held to fill the vacancy caused by Representative Katie Hill's resignation; the 2020 general election, when he won his first full term; and the 2022 general election, when he won his second term. Garcia had initially represented California's 25th congressional district, but the district was renumbered as the 27th district following the 2020 redistricting cycle.

Early life and education

Mike Garcia was born on April 24, 1976, in Granada Hills, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, to parents who had immigrated from Mexico in 1959.[4] In 1994, he graduated from Saugus High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in political science, graduating in the top 3% of his class, from the United States Naval Academy after being nominated by Representative Buck McKeon.[5] In 1998, he earned a Master of Arts in national security policy studies from Georgetown University.[6] [7]

Military and civilian career

Garcia joined the United States Navy in May 1998, and was sent to flight school at Naval Air Station Pensacola. He was deployed as an F/A-18 aviator from the USS Nimitz. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he participated in over 30 combat missions.[8]

From 2009 to 2018, Garcia worked as a business development manager at Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services, one of four business segments of Raytheon.[9]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2020 special

See main article: 2020 California's 25th congressional district special election.

In the 2018 election in California's 25th congressional district, Democrat Katie Hill defeated incumbent Representative Steve Knight.[10] In April 2019, Garcia announced that he would challenge Hill in the 2020 election.[11] On November 3, 2019, Hill resigned from Congress due to a scandal involving her relationship with a campaign staffer.[12] Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a special election to fill the vacancy caused by Hill's resignation.[13]

Garcia placed second in the nonpartisan blanket primary on March 3, 2020, ahead of former Representative Steve Knight and behind Christy Smith, a member of the California State Assembly. Garcia was endorsed by the Club for Growth and the Susan B. Anthony List.[14] [15]

Garcia campaigned on strengthening the United States military and cutting taxes to improve the economy, specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[16] [17] He also campaigned against the Democratic leadership in the California state government.[18] His platform included promises to "defeat socialism" and "build the wall."[19] Garcia said he was in favor of "securing and better surveillance of our borders."[20]

On May 12, 2020, Garcia defeated Smith in the special election in an upset. She officially conceded the race the next day, but affirmed her intention to run against Garcia in the November general election for a full term in Congress.[21] Garcia's victory marked the first time since 1998 that a Republican flipped a California congressional district held by a Democrat; in 1998, Doug Ose won in the 3rd congressional district.[22] He is also the first Hispanic Republican representative to serve from California since Romualdo Pacheco left office in 1883, after representing the 4th congressional district.[23]

2020 general

In the November general election, Garcia faced Smith in a rematch. In August, Garcia was listed as one of the 10 most vulnerable House members by Roll Call.[24] Votes were still being counted a week after the election, though Smith held a lead.[25] Smith conceded to Garcia on November 30, 2020. Garcia raised $3 million more than Smith.[26] Garcia won by only 333 votes.[27]

2022

Garcia ran for reelection in what is now California's 27th congressional district.[28] He defeated Christy Smith again in the November 8, 2022, general election.[29]

Tenure

Garcia was sworn into office on May 19, 2020.[30]

In January 2021, he voted to object to Congress's certification of the states' Electoral College votes.[31]

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[32]

Caucus memberships

Political positions

Certification of the 2020 election and Trump's second impeachment

On January 4, 2021, Garcia announced his intention to reject some states' electoral votes based on claims of fraud.[35] On January 6, he objected to Congress's certification of the states' Electoral College votes.[36] He later acknowledged Joe Biden's win and said the "election process has run its course".

Garcia voted against Donald Trump's second impeachment after the 2021 attack on the United States Capitol.[37]

Abortion

According to California Catholic Daily, Garcia opposes abortion and does not support federal funding of Planned Parenthood.[38] After winning the special election, he signed a petition to bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to the House floor for a vote.[39] Garcia has cosponsored proposed legislation that would effectively ban abortion and some forms of birth control.[40]

COVID-19 pandemic

During a virtual debate with Smith before the special election, Garcia said that financial aid to small businesses should be administered through cities and local chambers of commerce.[41]

Garcia has called on the United States House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis to investigate Governor Gavin Newsom's policy on nursing homes during the pandemic.[42] Along with other Republican representatives, Garcia claimed that Newsom had ignored guidance provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.[43]

Garcia voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.[44]

Defense

In 2023, Garcia criticized members of his own party for blocking an $826 billion defense appropriations bill for the 2024 fiscal year.[45] [46] In his criticism, Garcia said that the far-right Republicans stalling the bill on procedural grounds were "enabling the failed defense policies" of the Biden administration "and accelerating the downward trajectory of our nation's security."[47]

During the debate on the 2024 defense appropriations bill, which included a fifth round of aid to Ukraine, Garcia said "I'm not necessarily opposed to supporting the Ukrainians further, but I am opposed to doing it at this point without some sort of explanation from the executive branch, Secretary of Defense [Lloyd Austin] telling us what we are doing with this money and where it's going and what the end state is."[48]

Health care

Garcia has advocated for repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. During his campaign, he said he "was not a big fan of Medicaid."[49]

Immigration

Garcia supports the construction of a wall along the Mexico–United States border.[19] He is in favor of increasing surveillance at the border.[20] Garcia has voiced opposition to the DREAM Act and giving amnesty to illegal immigrants who entered the United States as children.

Iraq

In June 2021, Garcia was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF against Iraq.[50] [51]

Israel

Garcia voted to support Israel following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.[52] [53]

LGBT rights

In 2021, Garcia voted against the Equality Act, calling it "contrary to American ideals".[54] [55]

On July 19, 2022, Garcia and 46 other Republican U.S. representatives voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.[56]

Term limits

In May 2020, Garcia said that he supports congressional term limits.[57]

Tax policy

In January 2021, Garcia introduced the State and Local Tax (SALT) Fairness Act, a bill to eliminate the SALT deduction cap created in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Compared to residents of other states, Californians are disproportionately impacted by the SALT deduction cap.[58]

Antitrust bill

In 2022, Garcia was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior.[59] [60]

DC Statehood

Garcia opposes statehood for Washington DC. In April 2021, Garcia voted against the Washington, D.C., Admission Act.[61]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Meet Mike Garcia .
  2. Web site: Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress - Retro Member details. bioguideretro.congress.gov.
  3. Web site: Mike Garcia. January 13, 2021.
  4. Web site: Who is Mike Garcia? Chapter 1 | My Childhood . 8 January 2020 .
  5. Web site: U.S. Representative Mike Garcia Biography . mikegarcia.house.gov . house.gov . 30 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210318034443/https://mikegarcia.house.gov/about/ . 18 March 2021.
  6. News: Former fighter pilot Mike Garcia sets his sights on Congress . April 28, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200519183425/https://proclaimerscv.com/2019/04/28/former-fighter-pilot-mike-garcia-sets-his-sights-on-congress/ . May 19, 2020 . live.
  7. News: Mike Garcia's Biography . https://archive.today/20200519183118/https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/188664/mike-garcia . May 19, 2020 . live . May 20, 2020 .
  8. News: Mike Garcia's Biography . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520010204/https://www.electmikegarcia.com/meet-mike/ . May 20, 2020 . live.
  9. Web site: Raytheon: Stealth Means More Than Low RCS . Chris. Pocock. Aviation International News.
  10. News: Democrat Katie Hill is the apparent winner in key California House race, will unseat GOP Rep. Steve Knight: NBC News . November 8, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520154534/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/08/katie-hill-wins-california-25th-house-district-over-rep-steve-knight.html . May 20, 2020 . live.
  11. News: Republican fighter pilot to challenge freshman Dem in key California race . April 10, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520012222/https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/438199-republicans-get-top-tier-candidate-in-key-california-house-race . May 20, 2020 . live.
  12. News: Rep. Katie Hill to resign amid allegations of inappropriate relationships with staffers . October 27, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520013111/https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/27/rep-katie-hill-to-resign-amid-allegations-of-inappropriate-relationships-with-staffers-000301 . May 20, 2020 . live.
  13. News: Governor Newsom Issues Proclamations Declaring Special Elections for 25th Congressional District and 28th Senate District . November 15, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520013424/https://www.gov.ca.gov/2019/11/15/governor-newsom-issues-proclamations-declaring-special-elections-for-25th-congressional-district-and-28th-senate-district/ . May 20, 2020 . live.
  14. News: Club for Growth endorsement . April 8, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520150451/https://www.clubforgrowth.org/candidates/mike-garcia/ . May 20, 2020 . live.
  15. News: SBA List Candidate Fund Endorses Mike Garcia for Congress in CA-25 . April 24, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520150536/https://www.sba-list.org/newsroom/press-releases/sba-list-candidate-fund-endorses-mike-garcia-congress-ca-25 . May 20, 2020 . live.
  16. Web site: Mike Garcia. Ballotpedia. Middleton, Wisconsin. Lucy Burns Institute. en. May 16, 2020.
  17. Web site: Caitlin. Conant. May 12, 2020. 2020 Daily Trail Markers: Could Mike Garcia be the first Republican to flip a California House seat since 1998?. CBS News. New York, New York. en-US. May 17, 2020.
  18. News: Cillizza . Chris . May 11, 2020 . Republicans are on the verge of winning a House seat in 1 of the most Democratic states . . . May 16, 2020.
  19. Web site: 2020-05-14. Republicans win back California House seat they lost in 2018 after Democrat concedes. 2020-07-16. WXII. en.
  20. Web site: 2019-11-06. Allan Favish Will GOP Hopefuls Enforce Border?. 2020-07-16. signalscv.com. en-US.
  21. News: GOP wins special election in California after Democrat concedes . May 13, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520153833/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/13/gop-wins-california-special-election-255630 . May 20, 2020 . live.
  22. News: House Races in California and Nebraska Test Mail-in Voting . May 13, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520145420/https://www.wsj.com/articles/house-races-in-california-and-nebraska-test-mail-in-voting-11589317418 . May 20, 2020 . live.
  23. News: Republican flips California congressional seat. What does that mean for November? . May 13, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200520145240/https://www.sacbee.com/article242708631.html . May 20, 2020 . live.
  24. Web site: 2020 elections: Garcia, Katko, Bacon join most vulnerable list in the House. 2020-09-19. Roll Call. 6 August 2020. en.
  25. Web site: Latest ballot count puts Christy Smith ahead of Mike Garcia; next update coming Tuesday. Wendy. Leung. Ventura County Star.
  26. Web site: Denkmann . Libby . 2020-12-03 . Four Lessons From The Southern California House Seats Republicans Reclaimed In 2020 . 2020-12-04 . LAist . en.
  27. Web site: Rode. Erin. 7 January 2021. After objecting to electoral votes, Rep. Garcia says election process has 'run its course'. 2021-11-23. Ventura County Star. en-US.
  28. Web site: CERTIFIED LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR THE JUNE 7, 2022, PRIMARY ELECTION . March 31, 2022.
  29. Kang, Hanna and Talia Lakritz Results: Rep. Mike Garcia defeats Democrat Christy Smith in California's 27th Congressional District election, Business Insider, November 15, 2022.
  30. News: Khalil. Joe. May 19, 2020. Republican Mike Garcia sworn in as California's newest member of Congress. WHNT Channel 19. Huntsville, Alabama. May 20, 2020.
  31. News: How members of Congress voted on counting the electoral college vote. The Washington Post.
  32. Web site: Mike Garcia . Clerk of the United States House of Representatives . 30 April 2023.
  33. Web site: 2017-12-06. Membership. 2021-03-28. Republican Study Committee. en.
  34. Web site: Fighter Pilot Lawmakers in Congress to 'Speak on Behalf of Airpower' With New Caucus. 4 February 2022 .
  35. Web site: Jalonick. Lisa Mascaro and Mary Clare. 4 January 2021. Rep. Garcia joins challenge to Electoral College as other Republicans condemn 'scheme'. 2021-11-23. Ventura County Star. en-US.
  36. News: Yourish. Karen. Buchanan. Larry. Lu. Denise. 2021-01-07. The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-11-23. 0362-4331.
  37. Web site: Brown. Michael. 2021-01-13. Congressman Garcia Votes Against Impeachment Of President Trump. 2021-03-11. Hometown Station KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220. en-US.
  38. Web site: Holman. Jim. 2020-04-15. California pro-lifers have good chance at ballot next month. 2020-09-18. California Catholic Daily. en-US.
  39. Web site: Holman. Jim. 2020-05-22. Newly elected Mike Garcia fulfills pro-life hope. 2020-07-16. California Catholic Daily. en-US.
  40. Web site: Mehta. Seema. 2021-07-05. Rep. Mike Garcia's voting record: Will it be an obstacle to reelection?. 2021-11-23. Los Angeles Times. en-US.
  41. Web site: Kisken. Tom. Congressional candidates Smith, Garcia face off on taxes, COVID aid before May special election. 2020-07-16. Ventura County Star. en.
  42. Web site: 2020-06-25. COVID-19: Garcia stands behind call to investigate Newsom's handling of nursing homes. 2020-07-16. signalscv.com. en-US.
  43. Web site: Brown. Michael. 2020-06-24. Mike Garcia Supports Investigation Of Gavin Newsom Over COVID-19 Nursing Home Policy. 2020-07-16. Hometown Station KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220. en-US.
  44. Web site: Brown. Michael. 2021-03-10. Garcia Votes Against Senate Version Of $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Package. 2021-03-11. Hometown Station KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220. en-US.
  45. News: California Republican: Conservatives who blocked Pentagon funding bill are 'enabling' China's Xi. Sarah. Fortinsky . September 19, 2023.
  46. News: September 13, 2023. Conservative mutiny forces delay in House Pentagon spending bill. Politico. Connor. O’Brien. Joe. Gould.
  47. News: O’Brien . Connor . 'The military is being held hostage': Republicans hit GOP hard-liners over defense spending bill . 27 September 2023 . POLITICO . 15 September 2023 . en.
  48. News: House GOP in no rush to give more Ukraine aid after $6 billion error. September 20, 2023. Bryant. Harris.
  49. Web site: 2020-05-19. Republican Mike Garcia sworn in to serve remainder of former Rep. Katie Hill's term. 2020-07-16. Los Angeles Times. en-US.
  50. Web site: House votes to repeal 2002 Iraq War authorization. NBC News. 17 June 2021 .
  51. Web site: Final vote results for roll call 172. clerk.house.gov. 5 December 2023.
  52. News: Demirjian . Karoun . 2023-10-25 . House Declares Solidarity With Israel in First Legislation Under New Speaker . en-US . The New York Times . 2023-10-30 . 0362-4331.
  53. Web site: Washington . U. S. Capitol Room H154 . p:225-7000 . DC 20515-6601 . 2023-10-25 . Roll Call 528 Roll Call 528, Bill Number: H. Res. 771, 118th Congress, 1st Session . 2023-10-30 . Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives . en.
  54. Web site: Role Call 39, Bill Number H.R.5 . Office of the Clerk, US House of Representatives . February 25, 2021 . 22 March 2022.
  55. Web site: Murga. Tammy. Garcia co-sponsors school reopening bill, votes against LGBTQ Equality Act. 2022-04-04. The Signal. 26 February 2021 . en.
  56. News: These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality. The Hill. Schnell. Mychael. July 19, 2022. July 25, 2022.
  57. Web site: Mike Garcia Sets Sights on November After Special Election Win. 2020-07-16. spectrumnews1.com. en.
  58. Web site: Congressman Mike Garcia Introduces Bill To Repeal State, Local Tax Deduction Cap.. 11 January 2021.
  59. Web site: House passes antitrust bill that hikes M&A fees as larger efforts targeting tech have stalled . . 29 September 2022 .
  60. Web site: H.R. 3843: Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 -- House Vote #460 -- Sep 29, 2022 .
  61. Web site: National Environmental Scoreboard: Washington, D.C. Statehood House Roll Call Vote 132 Issue: Justice and Democracy. 4 February 2022 .
  62. Web site: Michael. Blood. Trump gets ally as ex-Navy pilot wins California House seat. May 14, 2020. Carolina Coast Online. Morehead City, North Carolina.
  63. Web site: 2020-05-19. Republican Mike Garcia, of Santa Clarita, is sworn in to Congress after special-election win. 2020-07-16. Daily News. en-US.
  64. Web site: April 22, 2021. Roll Call 132 | Bill Number: H. R. 51}}[61]

    Personal life

    Garcia's wife Rebecca is an interior designer. They have two sons.[62]

    ]|language=en-US|access-date=May 16, 2020}} Garcia and his family live in Santa Clarita, California.[63]

    See also

    External links

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