Who Is Sylvia Garcia? (Record & Background)
Rep. Sylvia Garcia (Official Photo)
Who Is Sylvia Garcia?
Sylvia Rodriguez Garcia (D) is the first Latina to serve Texas’ 29th congressional district in the US House of Representatives. Her district spans much of eastern Houston.
One of ten children, Congresswoman Garcia was born in San Diego, TX and raised in the South Texas farming community of Palito Blanco. She earned her undergraduate degree in social work and political science, and went on to attain her JD at Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston. Starting out as a social worker and legal aid lawyer, her career of public service has included Presiding Judge of the Houston Municipal System (five terms), Controller (two terms), and finally the Texas State Senate from 2013 until taking office in the US Congress in January 2019
How Long Has Sylvia Garcia Been A Congresswoman?
Congresswoman Garcia was part of the 2018 blue wave that gave control of House to the Democrats. She assumed that office on January 3, 2019. The seat was being vacated by Democrat Gene Green, who was retiring. She won her primary against six other Democrats with 64 percent of the vote, and went on to easily defeat Republican Phillip Aronoff in the general.
What Committees Does Sylvia Garcia Belong To?
Congresswoman Garcia is a member of both the House Financial Services and the House Judiciary Committees, having been appointed to them on January 16, 2019 by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She participates in two subcommittees for each:
Judiciary Committee
• Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties
• Immigration and Citizenship- Financial Services Committee
• Oversight and Investigations
• Diversity and Inclusion
She is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, among others. She also participates in several task forces, and is the Vice-Chair of the Majority Leader’s Taskforce on Poverty and Opportunity.
Sylvia Garcia’s Record As A Congresswoman
Congresswoman Garcia wasted no time getting to work, sponsoring twelve pieces of legislation—nine of which are bills—in her first year alone. Most of her legislative efforts range from election security (Polling Access Safety Act) to whistleblower protection (PCAOB Whistleblower Protection Act) to immigration issues. Her “Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act” has 48 co-sponsors. As part of the House Judiciary Committee, she has been active in the lead-up to the Impeachment vote. She has co-sponsored legislation to protect healthcare, HUD tenants, and immigrants, and helped to vote in such bills as the sweeping H.R.1.
Looking to make a difference? Consider signing one of these sponsored petitions:When is Sylvia Garcia Up For Re-election?
Congresswoman Garcia is up for re-election in 2020. TX-29 is a resoundingly Democratic district, and she is the only one on the ballot for March 3 primary (the deadline was December 9). Given how easily she beat her Republican opponent in 2018, it’s unlikely she’ll face much of a challenge.
Personal Details About Sylvia Garcia
Age: 69- Birthday: September 6, 1950
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Spouse: None
- Hometown: Born in San Diego, TX and raised in Palito Blanco. Long-time Houston resident.
- Education: Texas Woman’s University (BA); Texas Southern University (JD)
- Twitter: @RepSylviaGarcia
The Rantt Rundown
House Manager Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX29) is a former judge and the first Latina from her district to be elected to the US Congress. Part of the blue wave that overturned the GOP’s hold on the Congress 2018, she has been very active since her swearing-in on January 3, 2019. She is part of the powerful House Financial Services and House Judiciary Committees, has already sponsored twelve pieces of legislation, and has cosponsored bills addressing health care, immigration, and campaign finance.
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