How Republican Mike Garcia Took Back a House Seat in California

A few months ago, not many political analysts thought the Republicans had a shot at winning back the House seat that Democratic congresswoman Katie Hill vacated in November following a sex scandal. The district swung toward Democrats in recent years, the Democrats were united behind a candidate, and Republicans were divided.

But the district’s new Republican congressman, Mike Garcia — a 44-year-old former Navy pilot who flew more than 30 combat missions in the second Iraq war — knows a thing or two about catching others by surprise. “Sometimes being under the radar is the best way to get to the target area,” Garcia tells National Review in an interview.

About the Author

John McCormack

John McCormack is a former Washington correspondent for National Review and was a fellow at the National Review Institute.

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A few months ago, not many political analysts thought the Republicans had a shot at winning back the House seat that Democratic congresswoman Katie Hill vacated in November following a sex scandal. The district swung toward Democrats in recent years, the Democrats were united behind a candidate, and Republicans were divided.

But the district’s new Republican congressman, Mike Garcia — a 44-year-old former Navy pilot who flew more than 30 combat missions in the second Iraq war — knows a thing or two about catching others by surprise. “Sometimes being under the radar is the best way to get to the target area,” Garcia tells National Review in an interview.