Rita Garcia
Rita is no stranger to Houston, as she was previously a weekday morning anchor in the market. Prior to joining the ABC family, Rita worked as a morning anchor in Los Angeles on Good Day LA (KTTV - FOX 11).
Rita was born in Austin, Texas. She picked up a microphone at a very young age when her parents gave her a tape recorder with a mic to read her stories aloud. She would constantly practice and record herself and, as they say, the rest is history.
Rita began her television career in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas at ABC (KRG - Ch 5) where she was Cameron County bureau chief. She reported on a number of international border stories. She's also a proud alumna of Texas State University in San Marcos.
Some of her most memorable coverage includes the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, the 2009 and 2011 NBA Finals, the death of Kobe Bryant, the Woolsey Fire in California, the Oscars and Emmy red carpet events; Super Bowl 51, Hurricane Harvey, the 2017 and 2018 World Series, and the death of Michael Jackson.
Rita was featured in the Los Angeles Times for having been the first morning news anchor in LA to broadcast an entire live morning newscast from home during the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic.
She has also been invited to guest host on Rachael Ray and feature one of her favorite recipes! In her free time, Rita enjoys spending time with her husband and family, as well as her rescue dog, Rocky. She also loves to travel.
Rita's Stories
Dr. Peggy Smith continues to serve teen health needs in Houston for more than 50 years
As Women's History Month comes to an end, ABC13 introduces a woman who's been passionate about teen health for more than 50 years.
This formula food bank is a lifeline for families facing food insecurity
No family should choose between bills and baby formula. As costs rise, mothers of newborn babies are finding hope at LIFE Houston.
Casita in Magnolia Park reimagined as 'La Escuelita' where students learn through art & conversation
This Hispanic Heritage Month, ABC13 takes you inside "La Casita de Colores," a nonprofit in Magnolia Park bringing back a concept dating back more than a century.
The Golden Bachelor returns featuring Houston interior designer
Tracy Thompson is stepping into love and stepping out in style! Meet the 62-year-old vying for a rose on the latest season of The Golden Bachelor.
'Texas Tooth Lady' is looking for love on new season of The Golden Bachelor
From looking for cavities to looking for love! Houston Dentist, Terri Alani, is vying for a rose on the new season of The Golden Bachelor. Before the show's premiere, we checked into her office.
Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968 as weeklong celebration before it was extended
The 30-day celebration with festivals, food, and more was started as a weeklong event in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later extended by President Ronald Reagan.
9th annual Houston Latino Film Festival kicks off with plenty of opportunity to aspiring filmmakers
Wednesday marks the start of the five-day festival that brings stories from Latino artists and filmmakers to the forefront.
Tamron Hall hits up Whataburger with ABC13's Rita Garcia to talk Texas roots, sixth season, and more
Tamron Hall's go-to Whata order? A number one with cheese, of course! ABC13's Rita Garcia caught up with Tamron in the midst of her show's sizzling sixth season.
'We don't treat them as a joke': FBI warns about student threats on the rise
The FBI told ABC13 that they have seen and heard it all, from threats on social media to emails, calls, and comments made even on gaming apps. Agents warn students that their actions could negatively impact their future.
National nonprofit has message for anyone creating child sexual abuse material using AI
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says creating child sexual abuse material using AI is not only harmful but illegal.