Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC released the following statement on Congressman Robert Garcia’s election as Ranking Member on the House Oversight and Reform Committee. Garcia joins fellow openly LGBTQ Members of Congress, Ranking Member Angie Craig on the House Agriculture Committee and Ranking Member Mark Takano on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, to House committee leadership.
“Equality PAC congratulates Congressman Robert Garcia on his election as Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee—an historic achievement and a powerful moment for LGBTQ representation in Congress,” said Equality PAC Co-Chairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY). “As one of the most visible and important committees in the House, Oversight and Reform plays a critical role in holding Trump and his Administration accountable, protecting democracy, and defending the rights and freedoms of all Americans. Robert’s leadership, integrity, and clear vision for progress make him the right person to lead this charge. From championing equality and reproductive freedom to pushing back against extremism and disinformation, he has been a fearless voice for truth and justice. With Congressman Garcia’s new leadership role, Equality PAC now has a record number of LGBTQ members serving in House committee leadership—proof of how far we’ve come and what’s possible when we elect bold, pro-equality leaders. For a caucus of only 12 House Members, having three of those Members in House committee leadership is an impressive feat. We couldn’t be prouder of Robert, and we look forward to all he will accomplish in this new role.”
Congressman Robert Garcia represents California’s 42nd Congressional District. Robert is the first openly LGBTQ immigrant elected to Congress and the first openly LGBTQ Peruvian American elected to Congress. Prior to serving in Congress, Robert was the Mayor of Long Beach, California.
Equality PAC’s primary mission is simple: to elect more LGBTQ+ persons to Congress — individuals who will have a seat at the table, impact the debate, and humanize the LGBTQ community’s concerns. Beyond this goal, Equality PAC also supports strong LGBTQ community allies who will proudly and unapologetically stand with us in the fight to pass the Equality Act and equal protection under our nation’s laws. All funds that Equality PAC raises are directed to re-elect and expand our small – but mighty – LGBTQ caucus and to elect a pro-Equality Majority in the House of Representatives.
Today, Equality PAC remains the only identity PAC that financially supports every Frontline Member and Red2Blue candidate because we know that without pro-Equality majorities, the progress our community has made and the civil rights and equal protections we have fought so hard for – and are still fighting for every day – remain in jeopardy.
In the short time that Equality PAC has existed, it has played an unmatched role in making history for the LGBTQ community, electing LGBTQ leaders at the federal level such as current House Members Sharice Davis (Kansas); Ritchie Torres (New York); Becca Balint (Vermont); Robert Garcia (California); Eric Sorensen (Illinois); Angie Craig (Minnesota); and Chris Pappas (New Hampshire).
And in the most recent elections, Equality PAC notched three huge historic wins: in TX-32 with Julie Johnson who made history as the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to Congress from Texas or the South; in WA-06 with Emily Randall who made history as the first ever queer Latina elected to Congress and the first LGBTQ Member from Washington state; and with DE state Senator Sarah McBride in DE-AL as the first trans person ever elected to Congress.
With their elections, we have DOUBLED the number of LGBTQ women in the House from 3 to 6. And for the first time ever – there is parity within the LGBTQ caucus with 6 women and 6 men serving together in the House. This is an incredible accomplishment. On top of this, 5 of the 12 LGBTQ persons serving right now in the House are persons of color. These are incredible accomplishments for our community and its representation in Congress
Equality PAC has grown exponentially since its founding by Congressman Mark Takano and former Congressman (now Governor) Jared Polis in 2014 – when we raised $32,000 from some very loyal and trusting friends who took a chance on us and the experiment we were at the time. Today, we are extraordinarily grateful to have deeply committed and generous supporters in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico – and throughout the grassroots, labor, and business communities.
In total, during the 2023-24 election cycle, we raised and spent an impressive $23.4m for Equality PAC and direct contributions for our endorsed Members and candidates, state Party funds, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), and independent expenditure efforts. As we look to the 2026 election and possible opportunities – particularly in potential open House and Senate seat races – we anticipate making even more history and growing the LGBTQ House Caucus deeper into double digits and electing at least two new LGBTQ Senators.
