Biography
Sylvia R. Garcia, born on September 6, 1950, in San Diego, Texas, is a Democratic U.S. Representative for Texas's 29th Congressional District, a position she has held since January 3, 2019. She is the first Latina to represent this district. Raised in the small farming community of Palito Blanco as the eighth of ten children, Garcia's upbringing instilled in her the values of hard work and education. Throughout her career, she has been a dedicated advocate for her community, focusing on issues such as veterans' rights, immigrant rights, women's health, and access to healthcare.
Education
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Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Political Science from Texas Woman's University in Denton. Garcia attended on a scholarship and graduated in 1972.
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Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston. She worked multiple jobs to finance her education.
Political Experience
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Presiding Judge of the Houston Municipal System: Appointed by Houston Mayor Kathryn Whitmire, Garcia served five terms under two mayors, overseeing the municipal court system.
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City Controller of Houston: Elected in 1998 as the city's chief financial officer, she earned a reputation as a watchdog for taxpayers, ensuring transparency and accountability in city finances.
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Harris County Commissioner: In 2002, Garcia became the first Hispanic and first woman elected in her own right to the Harris County Commissioner's Court, where she advocated for working families and economic development.
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Texas State Senator: Sworn in on March 11, 2013, representing Senate District 6, she was the seventh woman and third Hispanic woman to serve in the Texas Senate.
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U.S. Representative for Texas's 29th Congressional District: Elected in 2018, Garcia became the first Latina to represent this district.
Notable Achievements
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Impeachment Manager: In January 2020, Garcia was selected as one of seven House impeachment managers during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, becoming the first Hispanic and one of the first three women to serve in this role.
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Legislative Initiatives: As a state senator, she sponsored the Relationship Privacy Act, outlawing revenge pornography; the Truckers Against Trafficking Bill, requiring human trafficking training for commercial drivers; and the School Bus Safety Act, mandating seat belts on school buses in Texas.
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Community Engagement: Garcia has served on over 25 community boards and commissions, including the San Jacinto Girl Scouts, the Houston Hispanic Forum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
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Honors and Recognitions: She has been named "Humanitarian of the Year" by the National Conference of Communities and Justice and recognized as one of "Houston's 25 Power People" by Inside Houston magazine.
Throughout her career, Representative Garcia has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service, focusing on transparency, accountability, and the well-being of her constituents.
