U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia says her journey from a small South Texas farming community to Congress continues to guide her priorities as she campaigns for re-election and advocates for Houston families facing rising costs, immigration fears, and healthcare challenges.

In an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine, Garcia discussed her work in Washington D.C. and her campaign as she seeks another term representing Texas’ 29th Congressional District. She appears on the ballot in the Tuesday, March 3 primary elections. Early voting is on now through Friday at 7 p.m.

A Historic Path to Congress

Garcia, first elected in 2018, became the first Latina to represent the district and one of the first two Latinas elected to Congress from Texas. A native of Palito Blanco, she grew up as the eighth of ten children in a farmworker family that struggled financially. She later earned a scholarship to Texas Woman’s University and a law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, working multiple jobs to pay for school.

Before serving in Washington, Garcia built a decades-long career in public service as a municipal judge, Houston city controller, Harris County commissioner, and Texas state senator.

“For me, it’s the honor of my life to represent Houston,” Garcia said. “This city gave me the opportunity to succeed, and I want to make sure others have that same chance.”

Housing Affordability Crisis Impacting Working Families

One of the biggest concerns she hears from constituents is housing affordability. Garcia said rising construction costs, labor shortages, tariffs on materials, and limited housing supply have created significant barriers for both homebuyers and renters.

“In our community, there’s always been pride in owning a home — ‘mi casa, su casa,’” she said. “But now there are so many barriers. Housing costs are up, down payments are harder, and there just isn’t enough supply.”

She described visiting affordable housing developments where units sell out within days and waiting lists can stretch for years.

“There just isn’t enough housing,” she said. “And it has to be affordable not only to buy but also to rent.”

Garcia has pushed for housing vouchers, first-time homebuyer assistance, and federal funding for local housing initiatives. She also advanced legislation through committee aimed at identifying regulatory and construction barriers that slow development while ensuring homes remain resilient to flooding and extreme heat.

Healthcare Access and Affordability

Healthcare affordability is another priority. Garcia recently fought to protect federal subsidies that help residents purchase health insurance, noting that more than 100,000 people in her district alone could have been affected.

“There’s nothing more important than making sure people have access to good quality healthcare,” she said.

She also emphasized funding for community health clinics, explaining that transportation challenges, costs like parking, and navigating large medical systems often prevent residents from seeking care.

“It’s not just healthcare — it has to be accessible,” she said. “If you can’t get there, it doesn’t matter.”

Immigration Enforcement and Community Fear

Immigration enforcement policies have created widespread fear across Houston communities, Garcia said, affecting businesses, schools, and access to medical care.

“I’ve heard from restaurant owners who don’t have customers anymore because people are afraid to go out,” she said. “I’ve heard about seniors who won’t even leave home to see a doctor.”

Garcia is leading federal legislation called the Restoring Community Trust Act, which would prevent the federal government from forcing local police departments to enforce immigration detainers or threatening to withhold funding if they decline.

“You cannot make police officers ICE officers,” she said. “Public safety priorities should be decided locally.”

She also called for greater accountability and transparency in federal immigration enforcement, including identification requirements, body cameras, and independent investigations of misconduct.

“Right now, people don’t trust ICE,” she said. “And without trust, communities are less safe.”

Serving in the Minority and Fighting for Economic Relief

Garcia acknowledged the challenges of serving in the minority party in Washington but said her focus remains on lowering costs, expanding healthcare, and protecting programs like Social Security and Medicare.

“My job is to help working people get a fair shot at the American Dream,” she said. “People don’t need to be rich. They just want a decent life.”

Redistricting Concerns and Latino Representation

Garcia also expressed concern over recent redistricting changes in Texas that she says dismantled historic Latino neighborhoods within her district and could dilute representation for the region’s growing Hispanic population.

“There are two million Latinos in Harris County,” she said. “We deserve a voice.”

Bringing Federal Dollars Back to Houston Communities

Despite political battles, Garcia highlighted federal funding she has helped secure for projects across the Houston area, including flood control improvements, public transit upgrades, port infrastructure, water systems, health clinics, and workforce training programs.

Sometimes, she said, the most meaningful projects are the smaller community grants.

“It might be a million dollars for a clinic expansion or equipment for a fire department,” she said. “But for those communities, it makes a huge difference.”

A Message to Voters Ahead of the March 3 Primary

As she seeks re-election, Garcia said her motivation remains rooted in the values her parents taught her growing up.

“My mother used to say, ‘Todos somos hijos de Dios,’” she said. “No matter who you are or where you come from, you deserve dignity and opportunity. And as long as I’m here, I’ll keep fighting for everyone.”

For the latest on politics, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.