Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia will run for Congress, he announced on Twitter at Friday morning, Dec. 17, a say after Rep. Alan Lowenthal said he would not seek reelection.
Garcia’s quick move to succeed Lowenthal, of whom he has been a longtime political ally, will likely be the first in a slew of Democratic candidacies for the heavily blue 47th Congressional District — one that will likely become even safer for Democrats once the statewide redistricting process is complete. That process appears as if it will move the district entirely within Los Angeles County, excluding the western portions of Orange County.
Hey everyone, I’m running for Congress.
My mom brought me to this country when I was 5. She risked everything so that I could succeed. Every single kid deserves the same shot that this country has given me.
Join us at https://t.co/PUa51FJ5gT pic.twitter.com/fd8vZPvl9o
— Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) December 17, 2021
But Garcia’s name recognition — he stumped for both Vice President Kamala Harris and, then, President Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential election — and vast popularity in Long Beach, by far the most populous city in the district, the frontrunner for the seat.
Garcia is a two-term mayor, a post he ascending to after servings as the First District City Councilman.
His announcement likely will lead to a political free-for-all to be the next Long Beach mayor.
Garcia crafted the campaign announcement as an ode to his mother, who died last year from COVID-19.
“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, in an interview, said he wants to go to Congress to ensure Long Beach continues getting its fair share of federal resources. He also said he would continue Lowenthal’s legacy as an environmental leader.
“We are in the midst of climate change, no doubt,” Garcia said. “I will continue Alan’s work to give up fossil fuels. Long Beach has been a leader in that technology.
“I’m going to defend the rights of cities, too,” he added. “We need that voice.”
Garcia said he would continue as mayor while campaigning, separating the two jobs. He said that would be his emphasis in Long Beach politics, as well, with no endorsements any time soon.
Before Lowenthal announced his retirement, the 2022 midterms were likely going to be a staid affair.
Lowenthal won each of his five congressional campaigns with at least 56% of the vote – and during his final three votes, he never went below 63%.
But his retirement is likely to set of a wave of succession attempts by ambitious Democrats.
But one who seems unlikely, at the moment at least, to take on Garcia is state Sen. Lena Gonzalez — despite the initial speculation on Thursday including her.
Gonzalez, in a Friday morning tweet, threw her support behind the man she succeeded as Long Beach’s First District council member, before moving on to Sacramento.
“I know he will be a strong voice for all in our nation’s Capitol as we face even more policy challenges ahead,” she wrote. “I’m all in!”