Republican fighter pilot to challenge freshman Dem in key California race

Rep. Katie Hill (D-Calif.) received a new Republican challenger as fighter pilot and first-generation American Mike Garcia announced his candidacy, setting up a 2020 battle for a key House district.

Garcia, the son of a Mexican immigrant and an Iraq War veteran, announced his candidacy for California’s 25th District Wednesday.

He will challenge Hill, a moderate whose victory helped the Democrats retake the House last year and decimate the GOP delegation from the Golden State.

{mosads}In his campaign announcement, Garcia sought to tie Hill to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other House progressives in pushing what he called a “Socialist agenda.”

“I have been at the edge where bullets fly and lives are lost,” Garcia said in a press release. “I believe America is the greatest country in the world. I’ve seen men and women lose their lives defending this country. And I am disgusted that politicians in Washington are voting in lockstep with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to push a Socialist agenda that jeopardizes everything we’ve risked blood and treasure to defend.”

Hill thanked Garcia and his family for their service and wished him luck. 

“I know how tough these primaries can be. With three Republicans now filed to run and likely more who will jump in, I wish them all luck,” she said in an emailed statement. “I am deeply grateful to Mr. Garcia for his service to our nation and thank him and his family for all they have given to keep America safe.”

Republicans had held the seat in California’s 25th District for 25 years until Hill defeated incumbent Rep. Steve Knight.

Garcia touted the endorsements of former Reps. Buck McKeon (R) and Elton Gallegly (R), who previously represented California’s 25th and 24th Districts, respectively. 

Garcia, a U.S. naval officer, was one of the first F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter pilots in the Navy and flew more than 30 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, according to his campaign announcement.

— Updated at 2:59 p.m.

Correction: Garcia is a candidate for the district. A previous version had incorrect information.