congress Mike Garcia Contact information

Michael Joseph Garcia (born April 24, 1976) is an American politician and former United States Navy pilot who served as the U.S. Representative for California’s 27th congressional district from 2020 to 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he first won the seat in a May 2020 special election and subsequently secured a full term in the general election later that year.

Garcia attended the United States Naval Academy and later earned a Master of Arts in national security policy studies from Georgetown University. Serving in the U.S. Navy from 1998 to 2012, he flew combat missions during the Iraq War as an F/A-18 aviator. Following his military service, he worked as a business development manager at Raytheon Intelligence & Space.

Throughout his congressional tenure, Garcia won multiple elections against Democratic challenger Christy Smith, including the 2020 special election, the 2020 general election, and the 2022 general election. Originally representing California’s 25th congressional district, he continued serving the region when it was renumbered as the 27th district following the 2020 redistricting cycle.

Garcia sought re-election in 2024 but was defeated in the general election by Democrat George T. Whitesides. His tenure in Congress ended in January 2025.

Early Life and Education

Born in Granada Hills, California, Garcia was raised in Santa Clarita. His parents immigrated from Mexico in 1959. He graduated from Saugus High School in 1994 before attending the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and graduated in the top 3% of his class. He later obtained a Master’s degree in national security policy studies from Georgetown University in 1998.

Military and Civilian Career

Garcia was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1998 and trained as a naval aviator. During his service, he was deployed from the USS Nimitz and participated in over 30 combat missions during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. After leaving active duty in 2012, he transitioned to the private sector, working in business development at Raytheon Intelligence & Space.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections and Tenure

Garcia entered politics in 2019, initially challenging then-Representative Katie Hill for California’s 25th congressional district. After Hill’s resignation, Garcia won the 2020 special election, becoming the first Republican in over two decades to flip a Democratic-held House seat in California. He successfully defended his seat in the 2020 and 2022 general elections, facing Christy Smith each time.

During his time in Congress, Garcia served on the House Appropriations Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. He was known for his advocacy for military funding, national security, and conservative economic policies.

In the 2024 election, Garcia lost to Democratic challenger George T. Whitesides. He conceded the race on November 11, 2024.

Political Positions and Legislative Work

Garcia aligned with conservative policies, particularly in defense and tax policy. He supported increasing military spending, opposed abortion rights, and backed stronger border security measures. He voted against the certification of the 2020 presidential election results and opposed Donald Trump’s second impeachment.

On economic issues, Garcia advocated for tax cuts and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. He was also one of the few House Republicans to vote for the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified same-sex marriage protections.

Personal Life

Garcia is married to Rebecca Garcia, an interior designer, and they have two sons. The family resides in Santa Clarita, California.