Dr. Robert Garcia, 37, is an educator and the 28th Mayor of Long Beach. Mayor Garcia has taken a leadership role in economic development, education, and investing in technology.

Mayor Garcia has been a member of the public policy and communications faculty at the University of Southern California, and taught Communication Studies at both California State University, Long Beach and Long Beach City College. His passion for education led him to pursue a Doctorate in Higher Education. Mayor Garcia also holds a Masters Degree in Communication Management from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Long Beach.

In 2007, Garcia co-founded and launched the Long Beach Post, a Long Beach based media website and newspaper.

Garcia served as Vice Mayor from 2012 – 2014 and was elected to the City Council in 2009. He also served on the California Coastal Commission from January, 2013 until taking office as Mayor of Long Beach.

Robert Garcia was born in Lima, Peru, and immigrated to the United States at age 5 with his family. He was the first person in his family to attend and graduate college, While at CSULB, he was elected student body president.