Cristina Garcia finalist for Rising Star Award

DOWNEY – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced Wednesday that Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia is a 2015 nominee for its Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award. Named in honor of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the Rising Star Award celebrates an extraordinary woman serving in state or local office.

The award honors women “who demonstrate the sort of commitment to community, dedication to women and families, and determination and civility that have been the highlights of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ career, in and out of office.”

The first ever Rising Star Award was given to Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams in 2014.

“As a former educator, advocate for reform in her community, and mentor to other women considering running for political office, Cristina embodies the passion for community and dedication to working families that we need from our leaders,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “The EMILY’s List community – now more than three million members strong – is proud of her achievements as a local leader in California, and is thrilled to nominate her for this award.”

A math teacher turned activist, Garcia has been an advocate for reform in her community previously plagued by municipal scandals. She’s worked to increase transparency and fight corruption in the state government. Cristina has risen quickly to join the Democratic leadership team in the California Assembly. Used to being in a male dominated field, she realized that didn’t need to be the case – she now actively recruits and mentors more women to run for the State Legislature.

The Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award winner will be chosen with community input. Online voting can be found at emilyslist.org.

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Published: Feb. 12, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 44