“Make sure the next generation is better off than yours.” That is the ethos of so many immigrants, the Basques included, as they look for opportunity in foreign lands. It was what Saturnino Garamendi told his grandson as he entered politics. John Garamendi is a prime example of this ethos. His grandfather immigrated to Utah and, with his fellow immigrant Maria at his side, they owned more than one hotel. John’s dad Raymond served in World War II. John took that foundation to become one of the most prominent Basque-American politicians in the United States.

- John Raymond Garamendi was born on January 24, 1945 in Florida, though he grew up in California. His dad, Raymond, was the son of Basque immigrants. His grandparents ran hotels in both Ely, Nevada and Stockton, California. Raymond served in the military during World War II. His grandfather, Saturnino, arrived at Ellis Island on March 21, 1906. He was from Ispaster. His grandmother Maria Osa was from Mutriku. Both his father and grandfather returned to the Basque Country.
- Garamendi is only the second Basque-American to serve in Congress. The first was Paul Laxalt from Nevada.
- Garamendi played football at the University of California, Berkeley as a lineman. The Dallas Cowboys nearly drafted him until his then-girlfriend (and later wife) Patti said she was joining the Peace Corps. “Patti made a much better offer” and Garamendi also joined the Peace Corps, together serving in Ethiopia.
- After returning from Ethiopia, he received his MBA from Harvard. Almost immediately after, he successfully ran for the California State Assembly and has has been in politics ever since, holding numerous positions including serving in the California State Senate, being Deputy Secretary of the Interior, California Insurance Commissioner, Lieutenant Governor of California, and, currently, as one of California’s US Representatives, a position he has held since 2009.
- Garamendi’s Basque roots are an important part of his identity. He and his wife have been hosting a Basque BBQ at the family ranch for more than 40 years. He was also an instrumental player in bringing a sapling of the Tree of Gernika to the US Capitol grounds. He was given the Sabino Arana award for his efforts in establishing strong ties between the United States and Euskadi and for helping keeping the Basque identity alive in the United States.
A full list of all of Buber’s Basque Facts of the Week can be found in the Archive.
Primary sources: Garamendi Wins Congressional Election (Updated), EuskalKazeta; John Garamendi: Family man, local rancher and career politician by Matt Brown, LodiNews.com; Friends, family gather to honor Garamendi matriarch, Calaveras Enterprise; Garamendi for Congress; John Garamendi, Wikipedia
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I wonder what they serve at the Basque BBQ?
A Californian Basque fusion?
I read that it was pretty standard fare – chorizos and the like.