Andrew Garbarino

Andrew R. Garbarino is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 2nd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since January 3, 2021. Garbarino previously served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 2013 to 2020, representing the 7th district. Known for his moderate stance within the Republican Party, he has often diverged from party lines on significant legislative issues.

Early life and career

Andrew Garbarino was born on September 27, 1984, in Sayville, New York, where he spent his formative years. He completed his secondary education at Sayville High School before pursuing higher education. Garbarino earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and classical humanities from George Washington University, followed by a Juris Doctor from Hofstra University School of Law.

After obtaining his law degree, Garbarino returned to Sayville to work at his family's law firm. His family is also involved in various small businesses across the region, from Bay Shore to Patchogue, contributing to the local economy and community.

Garbarino's political career began in the New York State Assembly, where he was elected in 2012 to fill the vacancy left by Phil Boyle, who moved on to the New York Senate. His election came after receiving the nomination from the New York Republican Party, and he won with a significant majority of the vote. He was subsequently re-elected three times, serving in the Assembly until 2020. During his time in the New York State Assembly, Garbarino was a member of the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators, reflecting his engagement with cultural and community issues.

House tenure

Garbarino's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began when he was sworn in on January 3, 2021. He succeeded long-serving Representative Peter T. King, who chose not to seek re-election. Garbarino's entry into Congress was marked by a competitive primary election in June 2020, where he secured the Republican nomination with the endorsement of King and local Republican organizations. He won the general election against Democratic nominee Jackie Gordon, garnering support from multiple parties, including the Conservative and Libertarian parties.

In the 2022 election cycle, Garbarino successfully defended his seat against Gordon in a rematch, further solidifying his position in Congress. His re-election in 2024 was uncontested in the Republican primary, and he won against Democratic challenger Rob Lubin, continuing his representation of New York's 2nd congressional district.

Throughout his congressional career, Garbarino has been characterized as a moderate Republican. He has frequently diverged from the party's majority on key votes. Notably, he did not object to the certification of the Electoral College results following the 2020 presidential election, affirming the constitutional process. He also voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, aligning with the Republican caucus on that issue.

Garbarino's willingness to collaborate with Democrats was evident when he voted in favor of establishing a commission to investigate the January 6 Capitol attack. He was also among the Republicans who supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which drew criticism from some party members, including former President Donald Trump.

In 2023, Garbarino was one of 18 Republicans who opposed Jim Jordan's nomination for Speaker of the House on three separate occasions, further illustrating his independent approach to party leadership.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Garbarino has focused on a range of issues, reflecting both his constituents' interests and his personal policy priorities. His legislative activities have included significant involvement in agriculture, gun control, and immigration.

In the realm of agriculture, Garbarino has taken a stand against federal preemption of state and local agricultural laws. He led efforts to oppose the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act, which sought to overturn California's Proposition 12 and similar animal welfare laws. His advocacy on this issue earned him recognition from agricultural advocacy groups, highlighting his commitment to local agricultural practices and standards. Additionally, he has been proactive in addressing international competition in biotechnology, leading a request for an analysis of Chinese advancements in alternative proteins.

Garbarino's approach to gun control has also been notable. In March 2021, he was one of a small number of Republicans who voted in favor of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, indicating his willingness to engage in discussions around gun safety measures.

On immigration, Garbarino supported the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which aimed to provide legal status to undocumented immigrants working in agriculture. This vote reflects his recognition of the vital role that immigrant labor plays in the agricultural sector and his commitment to addressing immigration reform in a pragmatic manner.

As of July 2025, Garbarino is set to assume the role of Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, following the resignation of Mark Green. This position will likely expand his influence on national security and immigration policy, areas of significant concern for his constituents and the nation at large.

Overall, Andrew R. Garbarino's legislative career is marked by a blend of moderate Republican values and a willingness to engage across party lines on critical issues facing his district and the country. His background in law and local business, combined with his political experience, positions him as a significant figure in New York's congressional delegation.