Norma Torres

Norma J. Torres is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Representative for California's 35th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since 2015 and is recognized for her advocacy on various issues, including public safety and labor rights. Prior to her tenure in the House, Torres held positions in local government and the California State Senate, showcasing a long-standing commitment to public service.

Early life and career

Norma Judith Torres was born on April 4, 1965, in Guatemala. At the age of five, she immigrated to the United States with her uncle, following the tragic death of her mother a year later. Initially arriving on a tourist visa, Torres transitioned to legal residency during her teenage years and ultimately became a U.S. citizen in 1992. Her early experiences as an immigrant have shaped her perspectives and priorities in her political career.

Before entering politics, Torres worked as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, where she became acutely aware of the challenges faced by bilingual communities. In 1994, she spearheaded a campaign advocating for the hiring of bilingual 9-1-1 operators, reflecting her commitment to enhancing public services for diverse populations. Her involvement in labor issues was further solidified through her active participation in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), where she served as a shop steward for Local 3090.

Torres's political career began at the local level when she was elected to the Pomona City Council. Her leadership capabilities were recognized when she became the city's mayor in 2006. During her time in local government, she endorsed Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential primaries, serving as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention. Following her tenure in local government, Torres was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2008, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Nell Soto. She continued her education during this period, earning a bachelor's degree in labor studies from the National Labor College in Maryland in 2012.

House tenure

Norma Torres was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, representing California's 35th congressional district. In her initial election, she secured a significant victory against fellow Democrat Christina Gagnier, receiving 63.5% of the vote. Following her first term, Torres was reelected in 2016, 2018, and 2020, consistently winning a substantial majority of the votes in each election. Her electoral success can be attributed to her strong connections with her constituents and her focus on issues pertinent to the community.

In the 2022 election cycle, Torres faced challenges related to international politics, as she accused El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele of attempting to interfere in her race. Bukele publicly urged voters to oppose her, highlighting the intersection of local and international political dynamics in her electoral landscape. Despite this, she successfully retained her seat in the House, demonstrating her resilience and continued support among her constituents.

Legislative focus and committees

During her tenure in the U.S. House, Torres has focused on a variety of legislative issues, particularly those that impact public safety, immigration, and labor rights. Her background as a 9-1-1 dispatcher informs her advocacy for emergency services and community safety, and she has worked to ensure that these services are accessible to all, particularly for bilingual communities.

As of the 119th Congress, Torres serves on several key committees, including the Committee on Appropriations, where she is involved in overseeing federal spending and budgetary matters. Within this committee, she is a member of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, as well as the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. These roles allow her to influence significant areas of federal policy that affect her constituents and the broader American public.

Additionally, Torres is a member of the Committee on House Administration, where she contributes to the management and operations of the House of Representatives. She also serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Modernization and Innovation, focusing on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of congressional operations.

Torres is affiliated with several caucuses that align with her legislative priorities, including the Black Maternal Health Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus. These memberships reflect her commitment to addressing the needs of diverse communities and advocating for progressive policies.

In terms of her political positions, Torres has been a strong advocate for reproductive rights. She has received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America, indicating her support for pro-choice policies, while also receiving an F grade from the Susan B. Anthony List, which reflects her opposition to anti-abortion measures. Torres has publicly opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, characterizing it as a significant setback for women's rights.

In her personal life, Torres is married to Louis Torres, and they reside in Pomona, California. The couple has three sons, one of whom, Robert Torres, has served as a member of the Pomona City Council, indicating a continued family involvement in public service and local governance. Through her various roles and responsibilities, Torres remains a prominent figure in California politics, with a focus on serving her community and advocating for progressive change at the national level.