US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party (elected as a Republican-Liberal), he served the State of New York's 21st Congressional District from 1978 until 1983 and 18th Congressional District from 1983 until 1990, in the United States House of Representatives. His father was a clergyman who established his own church in the Bronx, Robert earned two Bronze Stars while serving with the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his return home, he enrolled at City College of New York and later studied at the RCA Institute. He worked as a computer engineer, prior to finding his liking for the political arena. In 1964, he was elected to the New York State Assembly and later moved on to the New York State Senate. He rose to deputy minority leader. Garcia won a special election after Herman Badillo vacated his Congressional seat in early 1978, in order to serve as Deputy Mayor of New York under Mayor Ed Koch. He served as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was a bitter opponent of the Reagan Administration's policies on immigrants and labor. Garcia found himself embattled for much of his Congressional terms. Both him and his wife were convicted of extortion and conspiracy which resulted in his eventual resignation from Congress in 1990. He avoided prison when his conviction was overturned. He went on to become a successful Washington lobbyist. He died of complications from a bacterial infection. He had also been suffering from emphysema.

US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party (elected as a Republican-Liberal), he served the State of New York's 21st Congressional District from 1978 until 1983 and 18th Congressional District from 1983 until 1990, in the United States House of Representatives. His father was a clergyman who established his own church in the Bronx, Robert earned two Bronze Stars while serving with the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his return home, he enrolled at City College of New York and later studied at the RCA Institute. He worked as a computer engineer, prior to finding his liking for the political arena. In 1964, he was elected to the New York State Assembly and later moved on to the New York State Senate. He rose to deputy minority leader. Garcia won a special election after Herman Badillo vacated his Congressional seat in early 1978, in order to serve as Deputy Mayor of New York under Mayor Ed Koch. He served as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and was a bitter opponent of the Reagan Administration's policies on immigrants and labor. Garcia found himself embattled for much of his Congressional terms. Both him and his wife were convicted of extortion and conspiracy which resulted in his eventual resignation from Congress in 1990. He avoided prison when his conviction was overturned. He went on to become a successful Washington lobbyist. He died of complications from a bacterial infection. He had also been suffering from emphysema.

Bio by: C.S.