LOS ANGELES — U.S. Representative Mike Garcia, the final Republican representative in predominantly Democratic Los Angeles County, announced on Monday that he will concede to Democrat George Whitesides, marking the end of his reelection effort in a district located just north of Los Angeles.
Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot, expressed his congratulations to Whitesides in a public statement, pledging to facilitate a seamless transition of his office operations to the ex-NASA chief of staff.
Although the Associated Press has yet to officially announce a victor, as thousands of ballots remain outstanding, the outcome of this contest will play a pivotal role in the ongoing struggle to shift control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming year.
In his address to the district’s constituents, Garcia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve during a critical and challenging time in American history.
Whitesides, who previously served as the CEO of Virgin Galactic, mentioned in his statement that he has already had a conversation with Garcia, offering his thanks for the latter’s dedication to the district and the country. He promised to advocate for decent job opportunities and efforts to reduce household expenses in Congress.
Garcia, known for aligning himself with former President Donald Trump and maintaining a conservative voting record, was first elected during a special election in 2020 amidst California’s left-leaning political landscape. He famously remarked, “I don’t want my country to turn into what my state has become,” while securing a full term later that same year.
A veteran who completed over 30 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Garcia showcased an unexpected talent for overcoming difficulties in a district where Democrats hold an 11-point advantage in voter registration. The historically conservative 27th District includes suburban areas and parts of the high desert region north of Los Angeles.
Whitesides emphasized his intention to leverage his business acumen to address the challenges faced by the community.