Liz Ortega

Elizabeth Ortega-Toro, commonly known as Liz Ortega, is an American politician and labor executive currently serving as a member of the California State Assembly for the 20th district. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since December 5, 2022. Her district encompasses various communities in Alameda County, including San Leandro, Union City, Hayward, Castro Valley, and parts of Dublin and Pleasanton. Ortega has a background in labor advocacy and has held significant positions within labor organizations prior to her election to the Assembly.

Early life and career

Liz Ortega was born on August 26, 1977, in Guadalajara, Mexico. At the age of three, she immigrated to the United States with her mother and brother, joining her father who had previously settled in the country. The family initially crossed the border in San Diego before relocating to the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, California. Ortega grew up in Oakland, where she attended public schools and developed a strong connection to her community.

Ortega pursued higher education at the University of Phoenix, attending its Oakland campus. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice administration in 2009. This educational background laid the foundation for her future endeavors in both labor and public service.

Ortega's professional journey began in the labor movement. In 2001, she started her career as a receptionist for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Her dedication and skills led her to advance within the organization, where she took on roles such as education trainer and assistant director of Education and Nursing Homes. Through these positions, she gained valuable experience in labor relations and advocacy.

In 2011, Ortega transitioned to the Alameda Labor Council, a central labor council affiliated with the AFL-CIO that represents various labor unions in Alameda County. She served as the political director from 2011 to 2013, where she focused on advocating for workers' rights and labor issues at the local level. Following her tenure at the Alameda Labor Council, she joined AFSCME Local 3299 in 2013 as its statewide political director. In this role, she was based in Sacramento and worked to lobby the California State Legislature, successfully advocating for legislation aimed at protecting essential service jobs across all University of California campuses.

In 2017, Ortega returned to the Alameda Labor Council, this time as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer. Her election to this position marked a significant milestone, as she became the first Latina to hold this role within the council. Throughout her career in labor, Ortega has been recognized for her commitment to advocating for workers and their rights.

Legislative service

Liz Ortega was elected to the California State Assembly in 2022, representing the 20th district. She assumed office on December 5, 2022, succeeding the previous representative. Ortega's election was notable as she defeated Dublin City Councilmember Shawn Kumagai, marking her entry into state-level politics. As a member of the Assembly, she is part of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, which focuses on advancing progressive policies and legislation.

In her role as an Assembly member, Ortega is responsible for representing the interests of her constituents in the 20th district, which includes a diverse array of communities in Alameda County. Her background in labor advocacy informs her legislative priorities, as she seeks to address issues that affect working families and promote social justice.

Policy focus and district

Ortega's policy focus as a member of the California State Assembly is shaped by her extensive experience in the labor movement and her commitment to advocating for workers' rights. She aims to address a range of issues that impact her constituents, including labor rights, education, healthcare, and social equity. Her work is particularly influenced by her understanding of the challenges faced by working families in her district.

The 20th district, which Ortega represents, includes several communities in Alameda County, such as San Leandro, Union City, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland, and parts of Dublin and Pleasanton. This diverse district is characterized by a mix of urban and suburban areas, with a population that reflects a variety of cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. Ortega's engagement with her constituents is essential to understanding their needs and advocating for policies that will benefit the community as a whole.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Ortega continues to draw on her labor background to inform her approach to policy-making. Her commitment to social justice and equity is evident in her efforts to promote legislation that supports workers, enhances educational opportunities, and improves access to healthcare. As a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus, she collaborates with fellow legislators who share similar values and goals, working towards a more equitable and just society.

Outside of her legislative duties, Ortega maintains a personal life in San Leandro, where she resides with her husband, Jason Toro, and their four children. Her family life and community ties further enrich her perspective as a public servant, allowing her to connect with the experiences of her constituents on a personal level. Through her ongoing work in the California State Assembly, Liz Ortega continues to advocate for the interests of her district while drawing on her extensive background in labor and community service.