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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia, the last Republican representative based in predominantly Democratic Los Angeles County, conceded his race on Monday to Democrat George Whitesides.
This concession marks the end of Garcia's reelection campaign in the district north of Los Angeles, shifting the seat to Democratic control.
In a statement, Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot, announced that he had congratulated Whitesides on his victory and pledged to facilitate a smooth transition of office responsibilities to the former NASA chief of staff.
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Is the Mike Garcia Result Official?
The Associated Press has not yet officially declared a winner, as thousands of ballots remain uncounted. This race plays a crucial role in the larger contest to determine party control of the House for the upcoming term.
Garcia expressed gratitude to district residents, saying, "Thank you for allowing me to represent you during a tumultuous and critical period in our nation's history."
What Did George Whitesides Say About His Win?
In response, Whitesides issued a statement acknowledging their conversation and thanking Garcia for his service to both the district and the country. Whitesides emphasized his commitment to advocating in Congress for good jobs and reducing household costs.
Whitesides, formerly the CEO of Virgin Galactic, highlighted his business background, pledging to leverage his experience to address challenges and create solutions in Congress.
Who Is Mike Garcia?
He is a supporter of former President Donald Trump with a conservative track record, first elected in a 2020 special election, where he positioned himself as a counter to California's liberal-leaning government.
At the time, he remarked, "I don't want my country to turn into what my state has become." Later that year, he secured a full term, continuing to advocate for conservative policies within a largely Democratic state.
The former Navy pilot with over 30 combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defy expectations in California's 27th District, where Democrats hold an 11-point registration advantage. This district, once a conservative stronghold, stretches through suburban areas and the high desert north of Los Angeles.
In August, Garcia introduced a bill to end spending on the California High-Speed Rail project, dubbing it "Frankenstein's monster." He released the "No Frankenrail Act" in response to the project, on which construction began in 2015.
California High-Speed Rail is a large-scale infrastructure project that aims to connect California's major cities.
It has faced a number of delays and cost overruns. It was originally estimated to cost $40 billion and is now predicted to cost between $88 billion and $128 billion.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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