Eric Garcetti

Eric Garcetti
United States Department of State · Public domain · source
Name	Eric Garcetti
Caption	Garcetti in 2019
Office	United States Ambassador to India
President	Joe Biden
Term start	May 11, 2023
Predecessor	Kenneth Juster
Office1	42nd Mayor of Los Angeles
Deputy1	Wendy Greuel, Jeff Gorell
Term start1	July 1, 2013
Term end1	December 11, 2022
Predecessor1	Antonio Villaraigosa
Successor1	Karen Bass
Office2	15th President of the Los Angeles City Council
Term start2	January 1, 2006
Term end2	January 1, 2013
Predecessor2	Alex Padilla
Successor2	Herb Wesson
Office3	Member of the Los Angeles City Council
Constituency3	13th district
Term start3	July 1, 2001
Term end3	January 1, 2013
Predecessor3	Jackie Goldberg
Successor3	Mitch O'Farrell
Birth date	4 February 1971
Birth place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Party	Democratic
Spouse	Amy Wakeland
Education	Columbia University (BA), University of Oxford (MA), London School of Economics (MS)
Allegiance	United States
Branch	U.S. Navy Reserve
Serviceyears	2013–present
Rank	Lieutenant (junior grade)

Eric Garcetti is an American politician and diplomat serving as the United States Ambassador to India since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 to 2022. His tenure as mayor focused on major infrastructure projects, addressing homelessness, and preparing the city for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Early life and education

Eric Garcetti was born in Los Angeles to a prominent political family; his father, Gil Garcetti, served as the Los Angeles County District Attorney. He attended the Harvard-Westlake School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies and political science from Columbia University. As a Rhodes Scholar, he completed a Master of Arts at Oxford and a Master of Science at the London School of Economics.

Political career

Garcetti began his political career by winning a seat on the Los Angeles City Council in 2001, representing the 13th district. He was elected by his colleagues as President of the Los Angeles City Council in 2006, serving until 2012. During this period, he chaired the council's Transportation Committee and oversaw the expansion of the Los Angeles Metro Rail system.

Mayor of Los Angeles

Elected in 2013, Garcetti's mayoral administration prioritized transportation, passing Measure M to fund major expansions of the Metro. He declared a local emergency on homelessness, leading to the passage of Proposition HHH. His tenure also saw the development of the Los Angeles River revitalization plan and preparations for hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics. He served as chair of the United States Conference of Mayors and was a co-chair of Climate Mayors.

Ambassador to India

Nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021, Garcetti was confirmed by the United States Senate in 2023 after a lengthy process. As ambassador, he has focused on strengthening the U.S.-India strategic partnership, particularly in areas of defense cooperation, climate change, and technology. He has engaged with leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and navigated complex issues such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue.

Personal life

Garcetti is married to attorney and activist Amy Wakeland; they have one daughter. He is a practicing Reform Jew and served as a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the Navy Reserve as an public affairs officer. An accomplished amateur jazz pianist, he has performed at venues like the Hollywood Bowl. His family has long been involved with institutions such as the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Category:1971 births Category:American diplomats Category:Mayors of Los Angeles Category:United States ambassadors to India