Sylvia R. Garcia is a U.S. Representative serving the 29th District of Texas. Born on April 13, 1964, Garcia has dedicated her career to public service and community engagement. She holds a degree in business administration from the University of Houston and boasts an extensive background in public administration, as well as advocacy for underserved communities including women and minorities. Prior to her election to Congress, Garcia served on the Houston City Council and was appointed to various governmental roles, including the Texas Secretary of State.

Garcia was elected as a Democrat to the 116th Congress in 2018, and she is current as of the 118th Congress. She has been a proactive member of several committees, including the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Agriculture, where she has focused on numerous legislative issues pertaining to housing, economic empowerment, and food security.

Garcia has introduced significant legislation addressing issues critical to her constituents. One such measure is the SNAP Theft Protection Act of 2023 (HB205), which aims to provide protections against theft of SNAP benefits—an increasing concern among vulnerable populations. Garcia's commitment to food assistance reform demonstrates her focus on ensuring that the most financially vulnerable individuals in her district can access essential nutritional support.

Another prominent bill she has co-sponsored is the Stopping Another Non-Truthful Office Seeker Act or the SANTOS Act (HB350), which seeks to enhance transparency in campaign financial disclosures. By requiring candidates to provide detailed personal and professional background information, Garcia aims to bolster integrity within the electoral process.

Garcia has also been a strong advocate for immigrant rights, reflecting her district's diverse population. She has consistently supported immigration reform that fosters inclusivity, such as the American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 (HB16), which provides pathways to legal residency for undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children. This positions her as a key ally for younger generations of immigrants seeking stability and opportunity in the United States.

Politically, Garcia tends to lean left, with a focus on progressive causes including health care accessibility, education equity, and environmental justice. The bills she sponsors and supports show a commitment to progressive legislation, particularly those that aim to alleviate poverty, uphold civil rights, and protect the environment. Although she acknowledges the complexities and challenges of partisan politics, Garcia advocates for solutions that prioritize the needs of impoverished communities.

On the personal side, Sylvia Garcia is married to Dr. Louis Garcia, with whom she shares a blended family of children and grandchildren. Outside her legislative work, she has a notable passion for community service, frequently engaging with local organizations and initiatives that promote civic involvement and education.

Overall, Sylvia R. Garcia embodies a blend of experience and community-focused politics, with a clear dedication to advocating for the rights of marginalized groups and ensuring equitable support for all Texans.