My name is Mario Garcia. I’m a Democratic candidate for State Assembly in California’s 9th District (Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi). I am a product of this community, and I am grateful for the opportunity it has provided for my family and me. I grew up in Galt, where I attended Valley Oaks and Fairsite Elementary, Greer Middle School, and graduated from Galt High School in 2002.
My most impactful memories are of watching my parents struggle to overcome obstacles to success. My father supported our family, which provided my mother with the freedom to pursue higher education. While he worked tirelessly to grow his small business, she spent sleepless nights studying at our kitchen table. In time, she transferred from Cosumnes River College to Sacramento State, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Her accomplishment remains one of the most pivotal experiences of my adolescence, as it paved the way for me to do the same.
My mother has since attained her Master’s degree and become an amazing teacher, touching the lives of countless students over the years. Today, my father is a successful local business owner of nearly thirty years. Although at times it was difficult, my parents were able to earn their success due to the opportunities found right here in this community. Their example taught me the value of hard work, determination, and consistency. I learned to feel comfortable taking on seemingly impossible challenges, and developed the fortitude to persist in the face of adversity. These lessons served me well as a business owner of ten years, and as a student. After attending Cosumnes River College, where I earned associate degrees in geography, social sciences, and liberal arts, I transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a specialization in American Politics.
Many of us have been excluded from the political process by politicians who practice extreme partisanship, favor special interests, and use their positions for personal gain. We deserve better! If elected, I will be a friend to the people of Assembly District 9 and use the influence of this office to help you overcome obstacles and improve your life. You will receive genuine representation. You will be welcome at our offices and encouraged to share your problems and complaints. You will have a friend in government, and you will not be alone in your struggle to overcome obstacles to success. Your problems will become my problems. I will work to ensure all residents of Assembly District 9 have access to housing, education, healthcare, and justice. I will make the system work for the betterment of the public by ensuring existing government agencies are properly administered, and that each has adequate personnel, supervision and accountability.
My experience as a business owner taught me the importance of honesty, transparency and accountability. For this reason, I am video documenting my campaign and will continue to do so daily throughout my administration. This footage will be made available online, ensuring the public knows exactly what takes place in my office. I ask for your vote in the Statewide Primary Election on June 5, because you deserve better!
