The US Congress is about to get a new – and very progressive – member. John Garamendi has been elected tonight to represent the 10th Congressional district. We always said the 10th could do better than Ellen Tauscher, and tonight Garamendi proved it. From a press release sent out by the Garamendi campaign:

“Today, the voters have spoken; they still have hope and still want change,” Garamendi told a crowd of hundreds of enthusiastic supporters. “I will hit the ground running in Congress and look forward to casting a vote for comprehensive health care reform that includes the public option, helping to enact President Obama’s vision for America.”

Added Garamendi, “We stayed true to ourselves throughout this campaign, articulating a vision for the district and America that is bold and necessary. President Obama’s federal stimulus package helped save us from the brink of economic ruin, but our work is not done. At this moment of crisis in America, we need leadership that will create green jobs and take on the powerful interests delaying reform.  More than three decades in public service have prepared me for this moment, and you better believe I didn’t run for this seat to be a backbencher.”

The emphasis there is mine, and it’s important. Garamendi isn’t going to walk into Congress on Thursday (when he is likely to be sworn in) and take a quiet seat in the back. No, as one of California’s leading progressives, he is going to take his decades of policy experience and leadership and start working immediately to produce better, more socially democratic outcomes in the House. I’m excited about Congressman John Garamendi.

If Garamendi is sworn in on Thursday, he will resign his seat as Lieutenant Governor the same day. No word yet on who Arnold plans to appoint to that seat.

Congratulations to John Garamendi!