Phoenix City Council chooses Carlos Garcia as vice mayor

PHOENIX – The Phoenix City Council elected Councilman Carlos Garcia as vice mayor on Wednesday, another step up the political ladder for the social justice activist.

“I look forward to working closely with the mayor and my colleagues in this new role,” Garcia said in a press release.

“As a representative of District 8, where residents are disproportionately impacted by critical issues facing our city, I will continue to bring that experience and perspective to the table.”

Garcia was a political outsider in 2019 when he was elected to fill the seat formerly held by Mayor Kate Gallego.

He’s been a strong proponent of increased police oversight and accountability during his time in office.

Garcia co-founded the Puente Human Rights Movement and has been the nonprofit group’s executive director for the past nine years, according to the release.

He was born in Mexico and migrated to Arizona when he was 5 years old. He grew up in Tucson and now lives with his wife and two children in south Phoenix.

Congratulations to @phxdistrict8 on becoming our newest Vice Mayor! So deserving — and a pretty sweet belated b-day gift (He spent his birthday at inauguration) 🥳

Can’t wait to work with you! pic.twitter.com/9FHAw8UeCk

— Councilwoman Ansari (@District7PHX) April 21, 2021

Garcia succeeds Councilwoman Betty Guardado, who nominated him, as vice mayor. Per Phoenix municipal code, the council selects a new member for the role each year. The vice mayor leads the council when the mayor is absent.

Wednesday’s formal City Council meeting was the first since two new members, Ann O’Brien and Yassamin Ansari, were sworn in Monday.

Garcia was approved by a 6-2 margin, with Jim Waring and O’Brien voting no and Sal DiCiccio not taking part in the vote due to a technical error by city staff.

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