Seattle, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and Republican Dr. Raul Garcia (who legally changed his name to include the “Dr.” part before filing to run for Senate) squared off in their second debate today. In his closing statement, Garcia promised to be present for Washington voters but for years he failed to be present at the ballot box to cast his own vote. 

Garcia couldn’t be bothered to vote for eight years. He only started voting when he himself was running for statewide public office. After the 2012 Presidential election, Garcia did not vote again until the August 2020 Statewide Primary when he was on the ballot.

During that time, Garcia missed THREE statewide elections featuring important decisions on issues Garcia now claims to care about. 

• In 2014, Washington voters decided to close the gun show loophole and apply background checks to gun sales at gun shows.
  
  
• In 2016, Washington voters passed an initiative increasing the minimum wage.
  
  
• In 2016, Washington voters also passed an initiative allowing police, family, or household members to obtain court orders temporarily preventing firearms access from people exhibiting mental illness, violent behavior or self-harm.
  
  
• In 2018, Washington voters strengthened background checks, training, age limitations, and waiting periods for sales or delivery of semi-automatic assault rifles.

“Our participatory democracy relies on participation,” said Democratic State Party Chair Shasti Conrad. “It’s shameful that someone would seek to represent us in the U.S. Senate who refused the opportunity to cast a ballot on some of the most important issues facing voters like increasing the minimum wage or protecting our communities from gun violence. 

“We know that Garcia would vote for a GOP leader in the Senate who supports banning abortion nationwide. What we don’t know is who Garcia plans to vote for when it comes to the highest office in our nation. He doesn’t want to get involved in one of our most consequential elections because, in Garcia’s own words, ‘it takes away from me as a candidate.’ Washington voters can’t trust this guy because he only votes for himself.”