LOS ANGELES — In a significant political shift, Democrat George Whitesides has successfully unseated Republican incumbent Mike Garcia in California’s 27th Congressional District. Known for his role as a former chief of staff at NASA and as a past CEO of Virgin Galactic, Whitesides garnered considerable backing from national Democratic figures throughout the campaign. The election results were confirmed on Tuesday evening, with Garcia conceding defeat on the previous day, expressing his congratulations to Whitesides and committing to facilitate a seamless transition of power.
Whitesides publicly acknowledged his conversation with Garcia, expressing gratitude for his service to both the district and the nation. Looking ahead, he emphasized his commitment to advocating for improved employment opportunities and reducing the cost of living for families. His campaign prominently featured his intention to leverage his business acumen to tackle various challenges facing the community.
Throughout the election, Whitesides criticized Garcia for his stance on abortion rights, labeling him as an extremist, and thereby framing the race as a pivotal choice for voters concerned about reproductive health issues. Garcia, who has held the seat as the last remaining Republican representative in heavily Democratic Los Angeles County, had shown resilience in the face of adversity, overcoming challenges in a district that has a Democratic registration advantage of 11 points.
The 27th District, traditionally more conservative, encompasses suburban areas and the high desert region north of Los Angeles. Garcia, who is a retired Navy pilot recognized for participating in over 30 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, was aligned with the political ideologies of former President Donald Trump. His initial election campaign focused on the desire to prevent his country from mirroring the perceived failings of California’s liberal governance, stating, “I don’t want my country to turn into what my state has become.” This sentiment resonated with many voters in a region experiencing a political transformation.