Representative Mike Garcia released the following statement after he voted to object to the electoral votes of two states. The states in question were states whose legislatures violated Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 as well as Article 1, Section 4 of the United States Constitution.

“America is a country grounded in our freedoms promised in the U.S. Constitution and protected by our brave men and women in uniform, and as a former U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot and U.S. Congressman, I am committed to protecting these rights," said Garcia. "Americans have a right to free and fair elections. We must remember, the Presidency belongs not to Congress, it belongs to the American people. However, when threats of fraud arise regarding the results of the election, per the laws written in the Constitution, America’s elected Congressional Representatives must ensure that any uncertainty is resolved. My objection to the electoral votes of two states was not in an attempt to overturn the results of the election, it was to fulfill my duty to protect the rights of the men and women of California’s 25th District who elected me to serve them and stand up for their rights. After examining the evidence, I firmly believe that there were constitutional missteps by multiple states according to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2, and Article 1, Section 4 of the United States Constitution. The Constitution makes it clear, only state legislatures can set state election law. States, like the two states I objected to, violated the law when officials outside of the state legislature changed state election laws without the state legislature’s approval.  My vote was not about politics, but about protecting the rights of the American people that are granted in the Constitution.”

“Let me be clear, the Constitutionally-mandated election process has run its course," said Garcia. "Joe Biden is the next President of the United States and I congratulate both President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their win. It is time that we move forward and unite for the sake of California and all of America. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of California’s 25th District. I promise to work hard to bring assured security to our nation.”