Congressman Vicente Gonzalez: Rename Cesar Chavez Sites After South Texas Hero, Dr. Hector P. Garcia
From humble beginnings in South Texas, Dr. Garcia rose to national prominence as a civil rights leader.
Contact: Alexis Torres
Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to rename sites, formerly memorializing the now-disgraced Cesar Chavez, in honor of legendary South Texan, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. Dr. Garcia was a Mexican-American physician, decorated World War II veteran, founder of the American GI Forum, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.
“On March 18, 2026, the New York Times published an investigation with serious allegations of abuse perpetrated by Cesar Chavez, the former leader of United Farm Workers of America,” wrote Congressman Gonzalez. “In response to these allegations, many public entities are considering removing or have already removed Cesar Chavez’s name from streets, buildings and schools. As you consider renaming some of these establishments, I ask that you rename them in honor of a great South Texas hero, Dr. Hector P. Garcia. Dr. Garcia was a civil rights leader with an impeccable record of hard work and strong moral leadership.”
As a child, Dr. Garcia migrated with his family to Mercedes, Texas, in 1917. His father quickly realized that education would be the key to his children’s success, though that proved to be an arduous journey for Dr. Garcia due to systemic racism and discrimination. Despite these barriers, Dr. Garcia would go on to become a Doctor of Medicine before joining the Army and serving in World War II, where he rose to the rank of Major and was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star Medal.
Upon his return to South Texas, Dr. Garcia continued his service by advocating for Hispanic and veteran communities. In 1948, he founded the American GI Forum in Corpus Christi, Texas, an organization that remains a powerful force in ensuring Hispanic military veterans can access the benefits they earned. In recognition of his significant contributions to our nation, President Ronald Reagan presented Dr. Garcia with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1948, making him the first Mexican American awarded with the nation’s highest civilian honor.
As public officials in South Texas and across the nation work to remove the Chavez name from public sites, the life, legacy and significant contributions of Dr. Hector P. Garcia continue to inspire generations of Americans and deserve strong consideration.
The full letter can be read here.