Robert Garcia sworn in by Kamala Harris as ranking member of the House Oversight Committee

Long Beach, Calif. — In a ceremony on Wednesday evening, Congressman Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) was ceremonially sworn in as the Ranking Member of the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee by former Vice President Kamala Harris.

The event, held at Long Beach City Hall Council Chambers, marked a milestone moment for the rising Democratic lawmaker, who became the first sophomore member of Congress in more than a century to assume the top minority position on a House committee. The appointment also makes Garcia one of the youngest and most junior legislators in modern congressional history to lead the Democratic minority on the oversight panel.

Before a crowd of supporters, local officials and press, Garcia was sworn in by Harris, who praised the congressman’s leadership. “I tell you when Robert Garcia walks the halls of Congress, people pay attention,”  Harris said.

Harris commended Garcia’s passionate advocacy and highlighted his election by peers as “an incredible mark of a leader.” She then formally administered the ceremonial swearing-in.

In his extended remarks, Garcia swore to be a fierce defender of democracy. Garcia, who is openly gay, has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and has also championed immigrant rights, particularly in areas concerning civil liberties and due process.

Although the Congressman has previously condemned the Trump administration’s ethics and performance, many consider him a more middle-ground Democrat who appeases to both younger and veteran establishment lawmakers. 

“The oath that the Vice President [Harris] just gave me is very similar to the oath I took when I became a U.S. citizen,” Garcia said. “I was in my early 20s–[my family] all became U.S. citizens right around the same time, and we fought for that opportunity.”

Garcia was first elected to Congress in 2022 after serving as the mayor of Long Beach. Since arriving in Washington, he has earned a reputation as an agile political operator, quickly gaining influence within House leadership and among caucus members.

As the 119th Congress enters a tumultuous legislative stretch, Garcia’s new role places him at the center of some of Washington’s most high-stakes political battles.