Congressman John Garamendi has dedicated his life to public service, representing California’s Eighth Congressional District with unwavering commitment. This district encompasses a significant portion of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, and Garamendi has become a powerful voice for the communities within it and for the nation at large. Now serving his eighth term in the House of Representatives, John Garamendi continues to champion the needs of working families, veterans, and all Americans.
Born and raised in Mokelumne Hill, California, Congressman Garamendi’s deep roots in the state inform his approach to governance. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, equipping him with a strong foundation in both public service and practical leadership. Immediately after his studies, John Garamendi and his wife, Patti, embarked on a transformative experience with the Peace Corps, serving in Ethiopia from 1966 to 1968. This experience in Ethiopia profoundly shaped his worldview and solidified his commitment to service.
During their time in Ethiopia, John Garamendi and Patti taught 7th and 8th-grade students, immersing themselves in the local community and collaborating with local leaders to enhance available resources. This period fostered lifelong bonds and marked the beginning of their enduring dedication to public service and global citizenship.
Returning to California, John Garamendi began his career in elected office in 1974 with his election to the California State Legislature. Even early in his political career, he demonstrated a forward-thinking approach, authoring the nation’s first solar, wind, and energy conservation tax credits. Recognizing the needs of underserved communities, he also championed the Rural Health Act of California, ensuring access to quality healthcare for residents in rural areas.
Congressman John Garamendi further solidified his influence during his four terms in the California State Senate. He proactively developed a state agenda focused on strengthening California’s economy and fostering scientific research within the state’s public university system. Demonstrating a commitment to public safety, he introduced groundbreaking legislation that became California’s assault weapons ban. This was the first ban of its kind in the United States and remains in effect, underscoring John Garamendi’s long-standing advocacy for gun control and community safety.
From 1991 to 1995, and again from 2003 to 2006, John Garamendi served as the California Insurance Commissioner, establishing a strong reputation as a consumer advocate. He effectively championed policyholder rights, compelling insurance companies to fulfill their claim obligations and aggressively combating insurance fraud. His direct experience with the for-profit insurance industry reinforced his commitment to universal healthcare and affordable prescription drug prices, issues he continues to fight for in Congress.
President Clinton appointed John Garamendi as Deputy Secretary of the Interior in 1995, recognizing his leadership in environmental stewardship. In this role, he spearheaded crucial projects aimed at restoring the San Francisco Bay, Sacramento Delta, and Sacramento and San Joaquin River basins. These initiatives not only focused on environmental restoration but also on bolstering California’s freshwater supply, demonstrating his integrated approach to environmental and resource management. Congressman Garamendi remains a leading voice for water conservation and sustainable water management practices vital for California’s future.
In 2007, John Garamendi was elected Lieutenant Governor of California. As Chairman of the State Land Commission, he successfully protected California’s iconic coastal beaches by preventing further offshore oil and gas development, safeguarding the state’s natural beauty and tourism economy. Furthermore, as Chairman of the California Commission for Economic Development, he championed American workers, advocating for increased education funding and measures to reduce undergraduate tuition costs, investing in the future workforce.
John Garamendi’s service in the U.S. House of Representatives began with a special election in 2009, and he has been re-elected consistently since then, reflecting the trust and support of his constituents. Now in his eighth term, Congressman John Garamendi remains focused on creating jobs, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and reducing economic inequality for all Americans.
As the leading Democrat on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, Congressman Garamendi is deeply committed to ensuring just treatment for current and former service members. He has been instrumental in enacting legislation to empower the military to address climate change, improve healthcare access for service members, and provide enhanced legal recourse and care for those affected by unhealthy conditions during their military service. His consistent advocacy for veterans is evident in his unwavering support for every bill in the House designed to benefit veterans and their families.
Since his arrival in Congress, John Garamendi has been a dedicated member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He leverages this position to advocate for modernizing America’s infrastructure, creating well-paying union jobs, and enhancing California’s water resilience. Drawing on his 30 years of experience in California water issues, Congressman Garamendi is a prominent advocate for a comprehensive water plan incorporating water recycling, conservation, and storage solutions to meet California’s evolving needs.
While actively engaged in addressing national and international issues in Congress, Congressman John Garamendi remains deeply connected to the local communities he represents in California’s Eighth Congressional District. Advocating for their needs and ensuring they receive the necessary funding and resources to thrive remains his top priority. John Garamendi continues to fight tirelessly for policies that guarantee equal rights, opportunity, and justice for every member of his community.
Congressman John Garamendi remains a proud Californian, residing in Northern California with his wife Patti. He cherishes time spent in the state’s natural beauty with his family, which includes six children and fourteen grandchildren, highlighting his deep connection to California and his commitment to its future.
