Robert Garcia Parents: His Mother’s Journey From Peru and His Stepfather’s Influence

Congressman Robert Garcia has returned to national attention after billionaire Leon Black filed a defamation lawsuit against him over comments concerning Jeffrey Epstein. Garcia, a California Democrat and the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, has been involved in congressional efforts to investigate Epstein’s connections. The legal dispute has brought renewed attention to Garcia’s political career and personal life, including his former husband, Matthew Mendez.

Robert Garcia married political science professor Matthew Mendez on December 22, 2018, after approximately ten years together. Their wedding was a major occasion in Long Beach, where Garcia was serving as mayor. However, the couple later separated and divorced. Garcia publicly confirmed their separation in a 2025 interview, explaining that they remained close friends despite ending their marriage.

Who Is Robert Garcia’s Husband Matthew Mendez?

Matthew Mendez, also known as Matthew Mendez Garcia, is an American political scientist and university professor. He is best known publicly for his former marriage to Congressman Robert Garcia.

Mendez has worked in higher education, specializing in American politics, political representation, immigration and legislative institutions.

He previously taught political science at California State University, Channel Islands, and has also been associated with California State University, Long Beach.

Unlike Garcia, who regularly appears in national political discussions, Mendez has maintained a professional career centered on teaching and academic research.

His marriage to Garcia attracted considerable attention because they were one of the most visible same-sex couples in Long Beach politics.

How Did Robert Garcia and Matthew Mendez Meet?

Robert Garcia and Matthew Mendez first met in 2008 at The Factory, a nightclub in West Hollywood, California.

At the time, Garcia was developing his career in public service and local politics. Mendez was pursuing his academic interests and building a career in political science.

Their relationship began before Garcia became mayor of Long Beach.

As Garcia’s political responsibilities increased, Mendez remained an important part of his personal life.

The couple spent nearly a decade together before announcing their engagement.

Their relationship was publicly recognized during Garcia’s years as mayor, when he became an influential figure in Southern California politics.

When Did Robert Garcia Marry Matthew Mendez?

Robert Garcia and Matthew Mendez married on December 22, 2018, at First Congregational Church in downtown Long Beach.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 700 guests, including family members, friends, political figures and community leaders.

Their wedding followed an engagement announced in July 2017.

Garcia proposed to Mendez aboard the Queen Mary, the historic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach.

The proposal took place during the Fourth of July holiday, and Garcia publicly celebrated Mendez’s acceptance.

After their wedding ceremony, guests attended a reception at the Long Beach Museum of Art.

The couple also planned a honeymoon in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Their marriage was widely celebrated as a significant personal milestone for Garcia, who had become Long Beach’s first openly gay mayor.

What Does Matthew Mendez Do for a Living?

Matthew Mendez has built his career in political science and higher education.

He earned his undergraduate degree from San Jose State University before completing a doctorate in political science at the University of Southern California in 2015.

His academic research has examined political representation, immigration and the workings of legislative institutions.

His doctoral dissertation received recognition from the American Political Science Association, including an award related to race and ethnicity research.

Mendez subsequently worked as a university professor, teaching students about American government and political institutions.

His professional interests overlap with Garcia’s political career, although the two pursued different paths.

While Garcia entered elected office, Mendez focused on academic research and education.

Why Did Robert Garcia and Matthew Mendez Divorce?

Robert Garcia and Matthew Mendez separated around the time Garcia entered Congress in January 2023.

Their divorce was finalized around 2024, according to Garcia’s own account in a 2025 interview.

Garcia acknowledged that serving in Congress placed considerable demands on his time and personal relationships.

He described the congressional lifestyle as challenging because of its effects on family life, friendships and personal commitments.

However, he did not publicly identify a single specific reason for the divorce.

Importantly, Garcia explained that he and Mendez remained good friends after their separation.

He described his former husband as an important part of his support network and said they continued communicating regularly.

Their relationship demonstrates that the end of their marriage did not end their friendship.

Do Robert Garcia and Matthew Mendez Have Children?

Robert Garcia and Matthew Mendez do not have any publicly confirmed children together.

However, they share a cat named Tommy, whom they adopted when he was a kitten.

Garcia has affectionately described Tommy as their shared family member.

Following their divorce, Garcia explained that he and Mendez continued caring for the cat together.

He jokingly referred to their arrangement as co-parenting.

Their shared responsibility for Tommy has helped them maintain a connection despite living separate personal lives.

Garcia has occasionally discussed the cat during interviews, offering a lighter glimpse into his otherwise demanding political career.

Robert Garcia’s Childhood and Family Background

Robert Julio Garcia was born on December 2, 1977, in Lima, Peru.

He immigrated to the United States with his mother when he was five years old.

His family settled in Southern California, where he attended school and eventually became an American citizen.

Garcia studied communication at California State University, Long Beach, and later pursued graduate education.

His immigrant background became an important part of his political identity.

He has frequently discussed his mother’s determination to create opportunities for her family in the United States.

In 2020, Garcia experienced a major personal tragedy when his mother and stepfather both died from complications related to COVID-19.

He has continued speaking about their influence on his life and his commitment to public service.

Robert Garcia’s Political Career and Recent Developments

Robert Garcia began his political career in Long Beach, serving on the City Council before becoming mayor in 2014.

He was the city’s first openly gay mayor and its first Latino mayor.

During his time in office, he focused on economic development, infrastructure, public health and community programs.

Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 and began serving California’s 42nd Congressional District in January 2023.

He became the first openly LGBTQ immigrant elected to Congress.

In June 2025, Garcia became the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee.

His work has included congressional investigations involving government accountability and Jeffrey Epstein’s associates.

On November 5, 2026, billionaire Leon Black filed a defamation lawsuit against Garcia over comments connecting Black to Epstein’s crimes.

Black disputes Garcia’s statements and seeks financial damages. The allegations in the lawsuit remain contested.

The legal dispute has added another prominent development to Garcia’s congressional career.

Is Robert Garcia Married Today?

Robert Garcia is not currently known to be married.

His only publicly documented marriage was to Matthew Mendez, whom he married in December 2018.

The couple separated around the beginning of Garcia’s congressional career and finalized their divorce around 2024.

Garcia subsequently confirmed that they had maintained a positive relationship and continued sharing responsibility for their cat.

There has been no reliable public announcement confirming another marriage.

For readers wondering about Robert Garcia’s husband, Matthew Mendez is his former husband, a political science professor whom he dated for approximately ten years before their wedding.

Although their marriage ended, Garcia has spoken warmly about their continuing friendship and the support they provide each other.