Rafa Garcia, currently running for State Senate in Sacramento, came from humble beginnings. Garcia was initially from Hollister, and his parents worked in construction and seasonal agriculture. Garcia had first-hand experience working in seasonal agriculture before the age of 15 and his first job working at Mcdonald's throughout high school. Garcia was undecided on his education path until his memorable conversation with his father, Garcia's father gave him the option of working with him as a day laborer or going to college. Seeing his father coming home tired and not having much time with his family, Garcia decided on college at San Jose State. After his third year of college, he settled on therapeutic recreation, which led to working in a mental health hospital inside a corrections state prison in Selina Valley. After, Garcia moved to Stockton, worked at a healthcare facility as a recreation therapist, and got more involved in the labor movement. Realizing he could make more changes and help more people through the law, Garcia decided to go to law school, but that came with much hesitation because of student loans. Garcia stated that people should not have to choose between a good education and money. Eventually, Garcia came to Sacramento to attend Lincoln law school and passed the California State Bar in 2019!
Now, his family, education, and career have led him to advocate for the things that matter most to him; workers & labor rights, healthcare & mental health, education, and climate change.
Workers' & Labor Rights
Improve workplace protections, including COVID precautions.
Advocate for a livable wage
Improve labor organizations' rights.
Education
Tuition-free higher education
Reduce barriers to success.
Invest in support and resources for K-12 and pre-k.
Healthcare & Mental Health
Work towards a Single-payer system
Ensure everyone has access to mental health
Ensure people have access and the ability to recreate in places such as parks.
Climate Change
Investing in clean energy, materials, and infrastructure.
Resiliency in the infrastructure.
Carbon-Free energy.
COVID Recovery
Access to materials that are linguistically and culturally competent
Ensure resources are available for Small/Micro businesses
Outreach regarding existing programs
Motto: "life's a marathon" - pace yourself.
Favorite local restaurant: Urban Roots, for their pulled pork sandwich.
@rafaforsenate
Website
rafaforstatesenate.com