He is is officially the first openly LGBTQ+ immigrant to serve in Congress.
As of Saturday, former Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia today is officially the first openly LGBTQ+ immigrant to serve in Congress.
Garcia was sworn into the House of Representatives early Saturday Washington time, four days later than scheduled because Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, was unable to get the necessary number of votes needed to be elected speaker until the 15th ballot early Saturday.
“It is about time,” the Democrat said. “The American people deserve a government who works for them, and now I can finally get to work for the people of California.
“As the first LGBTQ+ immigrant to serve in Congress, I am committed to building an inclusive, strong, and prosperous community. I will work with my colleagues to defend democracy, make meaningful progress on immigration reform, and improve the infrastructure in our cities to ensure that the families of Long Beach and Southeast Los Angeles can thrive for years to come,” Garcia added.
House rules prohibit the swearing in of members until a speaker is elected.
Garcia said he ran to represent the 42nd District “because I want every single kid in our country to have the same opportunity that this country gave me.
