Eric Michael Garcetti is an American politician, diplomat, and former naval officer who has held prominent roles in public service. Born on February 4, 1971, in Los Angeles, California, he was raised in a family with deep roots in the city's political and entertainment spheres; his father, Gil Garcetti, served as Los Angeles County District Attorney from 1992 to 2000. Garcetti graduated from Columbia University in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in political science. Following his education, he joined the U.S. Navy Reserve, serving as an intelligence officer and rising to the rank of lieutenant, with deployments including support for operations in Bosnia and the Mediterranean. He later earned a master's degree in international relations from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in 2006 while beginning his political career.

Garcetti entered elected office in 2001 when he was elected to the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 14th District, which includes Hollywood and Echo Park. He served as City Council President from 2006 to 2012, becoming the first Jewish person and the youngest individual in over a century to hold that position. In 2013, at age 42, he was elected the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles, succeeding Antonio Villaraigosa and becoming the city's first elected Jewish mayor and its second consecutive Mexican-American mayor. He served as Mayor of Los Angeles from 2013 to 2022, focusing on environmental initiatives, homelessness reduction, and economic development, though his administration faced criticism over issues like the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and police reform. He was reelected in 2017 with a strong majority.

In 2022, Garcetti left the mayoralty to become a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and pursued opportunities in national politics. Nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021 for U.S. Ambassador to India, his confirmation was delayed due to allegations of mishandling sexual harassment claims involving a former aide, but he was eventually confirmed by the Senate on March 15, 2023, in a 52-42 vote. He presented his credentials as ambassador in April 2023 and served as U.S. Ambassador to India until early 2025, focusing on strengthening U.S.-India ties amid geopolitical tensions. Garcetti is known for his progressive Democratic affiliations, environmental advocacy, and efforts to bridge Hollywood and government.