Press Telegram - Rep. Robert Garcia elected to key leadership role in Democratic Caucus

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach, was elected by his colleagues to a key Democratic Caucus leadership role to represent newer members of Congress on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The term is effective immediately and will last two years. 

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, Garcia is also president of the current Democratic freshman class, but that role is ending as a new freshman class comes in on Jan. 3. 

“I am deeply grateful for the trust my colleagues have placed in me by electing me to be their Caucus Leadership Representative,” Garcia said in a statement. “We have serious work ahead to build a governing majority that reflects the priorities of the American people and fights for the future of our country. I am looking forward to the work ahead.” 

Garcia will be representing colleagues who have served fewer than five terms, which is more than 60% of the Democratic Caucus. It is one of the caucus’ 13 elected leadership positions. 

As the only LGBTQ+ member of the caucus’ leadership, Garcia intends to advocate for LGTBQ+ rights. His platform also focuses on “amplifying new voices, enhancing communication strategies and modernizing the Caucus while working to keep all members safe in the era of rising political violence,” according to his office. 

Before joining Congress, Garcia served two terms as mayor of Long Beach.