Robert Garcia beats John Briscoe to be Downey's next congressman

DOWNEY — Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia will be Downey’s next congressman.

According to poll results early Wednesday, Garcia collected 63.8% of the vote, putting him ahead of his Republican opponent John Briscoe.

Garcia, a Democrat, was the first Latino and first openly gay mayor in the history of Long Beach. He will be the first LGBTQ immigrant elected to Congress.

Garcia lost his mother to COVID and dedicated his win to her in his speech to supporters.

"That hard-working woman who worked in clinics, who cleaned houses, who was a true immigrant in every sense of the word, is why I'm here today," Garcia told the crowd. "Why my brother is here today. Her fight and love for this country is what made us today."

Due to redistricting, Garcia will fill a seat vacated by Rep. Alan Lowenthal and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, who are retiring.