President Joe Biden has nominated Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to serve as U.S. ambassador to India, ending months of speculation whether the two-term mayor would land a role within the Biden administration.
“I am honored to accept his nomination to serve in this role,” Garcetti said in a statement. “I love Los Angeles and will always be an Angeleno.”
If confirmed, Garcetti would be the first L.A. mayor in more than 100 years to voluntarily leave office, the Los Angeles Times reported. Garcetti would arrive in India at a time when coronavirus cases continue to spike, with 45,892 new Covid-19 cases reported in last 24 hours, Reuters reported.
“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,” Garcetti said in his statement. “Part of that commitment means that when your nation calls, you answer that call.
“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 its statement, the White House applauded Garcetti for 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.” The White House also noted a successful bid for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Garcetti’s commitment to the Paris Climate agreement.
