LA Mayor Eric Garretti named new U.S. Ambassador to India

A Jewish-Latino ambassador to India would certainly be a first, and Garcetti, 50, issued a statement saying, “Today, the president announced that I am his nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador to India. I am honored to accept his nomination to serve in this role.”

He added, “I have committed my life to service — as an activist, as a teacher, as a naval officer, as a public servant, and if confirmed, next as an ambassador. Part of that commitment means that when your nation calls, you answer that call.”

He went on to say, “And should I be confirmed, I’ll bring this same energy, commitment, and love for this city to my new role and will forge partnerships and connections that will help Los Angeles.”

In announcing Garcetti’s nomination, the White House release praised Garcetti as overseeing “the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere, the largest municipal utility in the country, and one of the busiest airports in the world. He led LA’s successful bid to return the summer Olympic Games to American soil for the first time in three decades. He currently chairs LA Metro, the country’s second-busiest transit agency, which is building or extending 15 new transit lines, and shifting to an all-electric fleet.”

The White House statement also highlighted Garcetti’s role in bringing the 2028 Summer Olympics to Los Angeles and his commitment to the Paris climate agreement.

Garcetti’s term as mayor officially ends in December, 2022, but should his Senate confirmation be approved, he will depart earlier.

The Los Angeles City Council will then have to decide whether to appoint an interim mayor until the end of Garcetti’s term or hold a special election to replace him.

Garcetti is the son of Gil Garcetti, the former district attorney of Los Angeles County (1992-2000). The Garcettis are of Mexican descent. Eric Garcetti’s mother’s parents were Russian Jewish immigrants.