John Garamendi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Garamendi
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California
Incumbent
Assumed office November 5, 2009
Preceded by	Ellen Tauscher
Constituency	10th district (2009–2013) 3rd district (2013–2023) 8th district (2023–present)
46th Lieutenant Governor of California
In office January 8, 2007 – November 3, 2009
Governor	Arnold Schwarzenegger
Preceded by	Cruz Bustamante
Succeeded by	Mona Pasquil (acting)
1st and 5th Insurance Commissioner of California
In office January 6, 2003 – January 8, 2007
Governor	Gray Davis Arnold Schwarzenegger
Preceded by	Harry Low
Succeeded by	Steve Poizner
In office January 7, 1991 – January 2, 1995
Governor	Pete Wilson
Preceded by	Roxanni Gillespie
Succeeded by	Chuck Quackenbush
1st United States Deputy Secretary of the Interior
In office August 15, 1995 – April 1998
President	Bill Clinton
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	David J. Hayes
Member of the California Senate
In office December 3, 1976 – November 30, 1990
Preceded by	Al Alquist
Succeeded by	Patrick Johnston
Constituency	13th district (1976–1984) 5th district (1984–1990)
Member of the California State Assembly from the 7th district
In office December 7, 1974 – November 30, 1976
Preceded by	Bill Bagley
Succeeded by	Norman S. Waters
Personal details
Born	John Raymond Garamendi (1945-01-24) January 24, 1945 (age 80) Camp Blanding, Florida, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Patricia Wilkinson ​ (m. 1965)​
Children	6
Residences	Walnut Grove, California, U.S.
Education	University of California, Berkeley (BA) Harvard University (MBA)

John Raymond Garamendi, born on January 24, 1945, is an American politician and businessman. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2009, he has represented parts of Northern California in the United States House of Representatives. These areas are located between San Francisco and Sacramento, including cities like Fairfield and Vacaville.

Before joining Congress, Garamendi held several important roles in California. He was the California insurance commissioner twice, from 1991 to 1995 and again from 2003 to 2007. He also served as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior from 1995 to 1998. From 2007 until 2009, he was the 46th Lieutenant Governor of California.

Early Life and Education

John Garamendi was born in Camp Blanding, Florida. He grew up in Mokelumne Hill, California. His family has interesting roots, with his grandparents coming from the Basque Country in Spain. His mother had both Irish and Italian ancestors.

Garamendi attended the University of California, Berkeley. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. While there, he was active in sports, playing football and wrestling. Later, he went to Harvard Business School and earned his MBA degree.

After college, Garamendi joined the Peace Corps. He served in Ethiopia from 1966 to 1968, helping people in need. He is also an Eagle Scout.

California Legislature (1974–1991)

Garamendi in the State Assembly in 1975.

John Garamendi began his political career in the California State Assembly. This is one part of California's state legislature, where laws are made.

State Assembly Role

In 1974, Garamendi was elected to represent California's 7th State Assembly district. He served one term in this position. During his time, Democrats gained a large majority in the Assembly.

State Senate Role

In 1976, Garamendi was elected to the California State Senate. This is the other part of California's state legislature. He served four terms as a state senator, until 1990.

While in the State Senate, he took on important leadership roles. He served as the Majority Leader. He also led several committees, including those focused on science and technology, health and welfare, and taxes.

California Insurance Commissioner (1991–1995)

Garamendi as California Insurance Commissioner

In 1990, John Garamendi made history. He became the very first elected California Insurance Commissioner. This job involves overseeing insurance companies in California. It helps make sure they follow rules and protect people who buy insurance.

First Term as Commissioner

Garamendi won the election in 1990. He served as Insurance Commissioner from 1991 to 1995. During this time, he worked to regulate the insurance industry.

One challenge he faced involved a company called Executive Life. This company had financial problems. Garamendi worked to find a solution for the people who had policies with this company. He aimed to help those affected by the company's difficulties.

Deputy Secretary of the Interior (1995–1998)

After his first term as Insurance Commissioner, President Bill Clinton appointed Garamendi to a new role. He became the United States Deputy Secretary of the Interior. This is the second-highest position in the U.S. Department of the Interior. This department manages many of America's natural resources and public lands.

Garamendi served in this role from 1995 to 1998. After leaving this position, he worked with the Peace Corps again.

California Insurance Commissioner (2003–2007)

In 2002, John Garamendi ran for California Insurance Commissioner again. He won the election and began his second term in 2003. He served until 2007.

Lieutenant Governor of California (2007–2009)

In 2006, Garamendi was elected Lieutenant Governor of California. This is the second-highest executive office in the state. The Lieutenant Governor takes over if the Governor cannot do their job. They also have other duties, like leading certain state commissions.

Garamendi served as Lieutenant Governor from 2007 until late 2009.

U.S. House of Representatives (2009–Present)

In 2009, a special election was held for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. This is part of the U.S. Congress, where laws are made for the entire country. John Garamendi decided to run for this seat.

First Election to Congress

Even though he lived just outside the district, Garamendi ran and won the special election in November 2009. He was sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives on November 5, 2009.

Re-elections

Since his first election, Garamendi has been re-elected several times.

• In 2010, he won his first full term.
• In 2012, after district boundaries changed, he ran and won in the new 3rd district.
• He was re-elected in 2014, 2016, and continues to serve.

Political Ideas

John Garamendi is known for his political views. He often supports policies that align with the Democratic Party.

Views on the Environment

Garamendi is a strong supporter of protecting the environment. He has worked for many years to fight Climate Change. In 2019, he became a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. This plan aims to address climate change and create new jobs. He also supports rules to help build offshore wind farms and protect oceans.

Views on Health Care

Garamendi believes that everyone should have access to good health care. In 2021, he supported the Medicare for All Act. This bill aims to create a healthcare system where everyone is covered.

Views on the Economy

Garamendi has spoken about economic policies. He has said that tax cuts should benefit middle-class families, not just the wealthy. He believes that government spending should help all people.

Views on Immigration

Garamendi has talked about immigration policies. He wants to make sure that immigration laws are fair and effective. He has also expressed concern for immigrants who are not covered by certain programs.

Views on the Military

Garamendi has often voted on military spending. He has questioned large military budgets. He believes that national security also depends on ending poverty and supporting education around the world. He has also worked on bills to protect civil liberties.

Views on Student Loans

Garamendi understands that college can be expensive. In 2017, he helped introduce a bill called the Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculating Act. This bill aimed to help students manage the cost of their college education.

Views on Water Supply

Garamendi has strong opinions on California's water issues. He has opposed some large water projects, calling them too expensive. Instead, he supports other solutions to manage California's water supply.

Committee Work

In the U.S. House of Representatives, members work on different committees. These committees focus on specific topics. Garamendi is a member of several important committees:

• Committee on Armed Services: This committee deals with military and defense issues.
• Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: This committee works on roads, bridges, and other public works.
• Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government: This committee looks into how the government uses its power.

He is also part of many smaller groups called caucuses. These groups bring together members of Congress who share common interests. For example, he co-chairs the Peace Corps Caucus and the American Sikh Caucus.

Personal Life

John Garamendi is married to Patricia Wilkinson. She has also held important roles in government and agriculture. They live in Walnut Grove, California. Together, they have six children and 13 grandchildren.

In July 2024, Garamendi shared that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of cancer.

Images for kids

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  Garamendi speaks with generals during the District Commanders Course, 2015.