David Garcia (politician)

David Garcia is an American politician and education professor who was the Democratic Party's nominee in the 2018 Arizona gubernatorial election.[1]

David Garcia
Personal details
Born1970 (age 50–51)
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
EducationArizona State University (BA)
University of Chicago (MA, PhD)
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Army

Garcia is an associate professor at Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. He was the 2014 Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, but was defeated by the Republican Party's nominee, Diane Douglas.[2] Garcia challenged Republican Governor Doug Ducey in the November 2018 Arizona gubernatorial election, but lost by a wide margin.

Early life and education

Garcia, a fourth generation Mexican-American, was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona.[3] He served as an infantryman in the United States Army.[4] Garcia graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in communication in 1993.[5] He also graduated from the University of Chicago with a M.A. in education research in 1997 and a Ph.D. in education research in 2002.[5]

Career

An education researcher, Garcia previously worked in the Arizona Department of Education and currently works as an associate professor at ASU's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.[6] In 2014, Garcia ran unsuccessfully for state superintendent against Republican Diane Douglas.[7] Despite his loss to Douglas, who was considered a historically weak candidate, Garcia announced his plan to challenge incumbent Republican Governor Doug Ducey in April 2017.[2] Garcia defeated state legislator Steve Farley in the August 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary.[8]

While Garcia's 2014 bid attracted independent and Republican support, his 2018 campaign was considered progressive.[4] Garcia's 2018 bid focused on supporting Medicare For All,[9] raising income taxes to spend more on education initiatives,[10] and opposing a wall along Arizona's southern border with Mexico.[11] He also supported a “top-to-bottom” overhaul of ICE.[12] Garcia's candidacy for governor had been compared to the candidacies of Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[13]

Personal life

Garcia is married to Lori Higuera, a corporate attorney in the Phoenix area.[14] They have two daughters.

References
  1. "Can David Garcia catch the blue wave to become Arizona's next governor?". NBC News. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  2. Stern, Ray (2017-04-13). "David Garcia Couldn't Beat Diane Douglas but Wants to Challenge Doug Ducey for Arizona Governor". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  3. Diaz, Elvia (10 August 2018). "Is it 'insulting' for David Garcia to tout being Latino in Arizona's governor race?". AZCentral. Retrieved 30 August 2018.
  4. Forman, Carmen. "Garcia makes 'dramatic tilt' left in run for governor – Arizona Capitol Times". azcapitoltimes.com. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  5. "David Garcia". Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. 2018-08-13. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  6. "Robb: David Garcia's plan won't fund #RedforEd's demands. Not even close". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  7. Grado, Gary. "Garcia concedes schools chief race to Douglas – Arizona Capitol Times". azcapitoltimes.com. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  8. Forman, Karen (28 August 2018). "David Garcia clinches Democratic gubernatorial nomination". Arizona Capitol Times. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  9. Editorial board. "Why the battle for Arizona governor is being fought in your kid's classroom". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  10. Fischer, Howard. "Arizona's 3 Democrats for governor spar over immigration, ed taxes, experience". Arizona Daily Star. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  11. "Did Arizona governor candidate David Garcia just call for an open border?". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  12. Forman, Carmen. "David Garcia's call to reform ICE politically risky in Arizona – Arizona Capitol Times". azcapitoltimes.com. Retrieved 2018-08-24.
  13. Robb, Robert (2018-07-11). "Democrats have a shot for Arizona governor. Here's what you need to know about them". Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  14. "DAVID GARCIA: "Transformational" education is the goal - Raising Arizona Kids Magazine". www.raisingarizonakids.com. Retrieved 2018-08-25.
Party political offices
Preceded by
Fred DuVal		 Democratic nominee for Governor of Arizona
2018		 Most recent
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