Former Madera mayor Santos Garcia dies at age 69. ‘A true public servant’
Former Madera mayor Santos Garcia died Saturday. He was 69.
His sudden death shocked the local community. His family announced his death Sunday on social media.
“During this devastating time, we would like to thank Madera 911, the first responders, MCH, and all those who worked so hard and gave comfort to our mother,” Garcia’s family said.
Garcia, a retired United States Postal Service mail carrier after three decades, died at Madera Community Hospital.
“Santos was a tremendous force, a powerhouse who believed change was possible and was willing to fight for it even when the path was difficult,” said state Sen. Anna Caballero.
Caballero called Garcia “a true public servant” who was committed to serving the people of Madera.
Born in Casa Grande, Arizona, Garcia was a Madera resident since 1971. Many will remember Garcia for his signature cowboy hat.
Garcia, a known progressive, was elected to Madera City Council in 2018, representing District 5, which includes downtown to the eastern edge of the city limits.
Garcia won the city’s mayoral election in 2020 with 43.18% of the vote and helped guide Madera through the COVID-19 pandemic. He faced three challengers in the November 2024 election and lost his seat to then city Councilwoman CeCe Gallegos.
“Mayor Garcia never forgot where he came from or who he was fighting for. He came up through the union and brought that perspective with him into office,” said Madera city manager Arnoldo Rodriguez. “He pushed for a Madera that worked for everyday people, and that’s how he’ll be remembered as someone who genuinely gave everything he had to this community.”
Garcia was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and served as a labor community organizer in the Central Valley advocating for working families throughout the region.
Garcia worked to expand parks, affordable housing, improving roads, access to care and continued to be involved in the community after leaving office.
State Assemblyman Joaquin Arambula said Garcia was a fierce advocate who “wanted the best for all people” and dedicated himself to making change happen.
“Santos advocated on behalf of working families, the vulnerable, and the underserved,” Arambula said.
Arambula said they both served on the San Joaquin River Conservancy Board and pushed to improve public’s access to the river.
“We lost a Madera giant,” said state Assembly member Esmeralda Soria. “Together we fought for our communities and accomplished meaningful things including helping reopen Madera Community Hospital.”
Soria said Garcia’s death leaves a void in the community.
“If there’s one thing Santos taught us, it’s to keep fighting for our community and never stop pushing forward,” Soria said.
Garcia is survived by his wife Martha, children and grandchildren.
