Gay Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia announces leadership bid

California Democrat U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, known for his outspoken LGBTQ+ advocacy and calling out right-wing extremism, has formally entered the race for the Caucus Leadership Representative position in the House of Representatives. The position represents Congress members who have served in the House for less than five terms. In a letter to colleagues on Wednesday, Garcia outlined his vision for a modernized, inclusive, and communicative Democratic caucus that pushes back against misinformation while building a path to reclaim the House majority in 2026.

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Garcia’s leadership ambitions follow an eventful first term in Congress, where he established himself as a progressive voice, unafraid to confront controversial figures like Georgia Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Earlier this year, The Advocate reported on Garcia’s commitment to calling out what he perceives as extremism and hostility from “MAGA Republicans,” notably Greene, who has gained a reputation for inflammatory, often anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. He has accused her of “demonizing trans people” and glorifying insurrectionists.

As the first out gay immigrant elected to Congress, Garcia has not only broken barriers but also wielded his platform to challenge Republicans’ anti-LGBTQ+ agendas. He previously told The Advocate that he views himself as both a lawmaker and a defender of truth, drawing on his background as a comic book enthusiast to frame his opposition to figures like Greene and Speaker Mike Johnson as a classic battle between heroes and villains. “I think being such a fan of comics has given me a real clear view of what is good and what is bad and what’s evil,” Garcia explained.

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Garcia emphasized new voices, communication, modernization, and security in his leadership platform. He wrote that he was committed to amplifying the voices of newer members and adapting Democratic messaging to reach working families across diverse media platforms. “We can’t just rely on the traditional media to carry our message,” he wrote in his letter, stressing the importance of confronting misinformation head-on.

Related: Superman, Batman, and Robert Garcia: A gay Democrat’s stand against his political villains

As a member of the Oversight, Homeland Security, and Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, he has been an outspoken critic of what he describes as baseless Republican attacks, including the impeachment inquiries into President Joe Biden.

Axios reported that Garcia had begun gauging support for his leadership bid before the election, positioning himself as a rising star within the Democratic caucus. If elected, Garcia would be the only LGBTQ+ member in Democratic leadership, a critical milestone for the Equality Caucus as it faces growing legislative threats.

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The House will hold its leadership elections on November 19 and 20.

“I’m excited to represent our Caucus and reclaim and maintain the majority,” Garcia wrote in his letter. “I look forward to speaking with you over the next few days, and I hope to earn your support.”