California State Assemblywoman Liz Ortega:
Who is She and What Does She Believe in?
Jackie Phillips
Political Science, Post University
PSC102 – State and Local Government
State Legislator Assignment
Michael Ferguson
Due Date: 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday of Unit 4
Overview: Part of being an effective citizen is to make sure we are informed. Therefore, it is our responsibility to know who represents us and what policies they support. The purpose of this assignment is for you to learn more about your State Representative or State Assemblyman. This is the individual who represents you in your state legislature.
You will write a short personal, professional, and political biography of your State Representative or Assemblyman. Your paper will consist of two parts:
Part 1: Basic Biography
- Their name and the district they represent:
State Assemblywoman Liz Ortega
“Liz Ortega represents Assembly District 20, which includes Hayward, San Leandro, most of Union City, portions of Dublin and Pleasanton, and the unincorporated communities of Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, and San Lorenzo.” (No author given, 2025)
- Political party they belong to:
Democratic
- When they were elected and how long they have served?
“Press Releases
Liz Ortega Sworn in to Represent Assembly District 20
Monday, December 5, 2022
SACRAMENTO, CA – Liz Ortega was sworn in as the Assemblymember for District 20 today in the State Capitol. The newly elected Assemblymember will represent one of the most ethnically diverse districts in the state. It includes Hayward, San Leandro, most of Union City, portions of Dublin and Pleasanton, and several unincorporated communities." (No author given, 2025)
- Committees they serve on:
“COMMITTEES MEMBERSHIP
Standing Committees
Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism - Member
Budget (First Extraordinary) - Member
Budget - Member
Insurance - Member
Labor and Employment - Chair
Privacy and Consumer Protection - Member
Subcommittees
Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration - Member
Select Committees
Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology - Member
Select Committee on Child Care Costs - Member
Select Committee on Latina Inequities - Member
Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia - Member (No author given, 2025)
- Past offices or positions they have held
“She served as the statewide political director for AFSCME Local 3299 before becoming the first Latina elected to serve as the executive secretary-treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council, a central labor council that represents all labor unions in Alameda County. (No author given 2025)
- Other careers they have or may have had
“Ortega began her labor career as a receptionist for SEIU for in 2001. She later became an education trainer for SEIU and was eventually promoted to assistant director of Education and Nursing Homes. In 2011, she became political director for the Alameda Labor Council, an AFL-CIO-affiliated central labor council that represents all labor unions in Alameda County from 2011 to 2013.”
- Personal background (i.e. married, children, birthplace, age, etc.)
“Early life and education
Ortega was born in Mexico on August 26, 1977. Her family is from the Guadalajara area. Ortega immigrated to the United States at age three with her mother and brother; her father had already immigrated to the United States. They crossed the border in San Diego and moved to the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, where Ortega was raised and attended public school.
Ortega attended the University of Phoenix at its Oakland campus. She graduated with a bachelor of science in criminal justice administration in 2009.
Ortega is married to Jason Toro. They have four children together and live in San Leandro.” (No author given, 2025)
- How to contact them
Capitol Office, 1021 O Street, Suite 5120, Sacramento, CA 95814
P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0020; (916) 319-2020
District Office
22320 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 540, Hayward, CA 94541; (510) 583-8818
- Any unique or special attributes
Assemblymember Liz Ortega is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.
The California Legislative Progressive Caucus is a group of progressive members of the California State Assembly who advocate for policies that promote economic justice, social equality, and environmental protection. Founded in 2019, it currently has 29 members and is chaired by Assemblymember Alex Lee.
Part 2: Political Position
- Search for and explore your State Representative’s webpage. Choose one initiative or issue that he or she is currently addressing.
“A Victory for Hayward and Alameda County
Across the state and country, giant health companies are pushing community hospitals out of business.
In Alameda County, we are bucking that trend. St. Rose Hospital, Hayward’s only emergency room and a vital safety-net provider, has been saved from closure, and is now part of Alameda Health System, our mission-driven county public health network.” (No author given, 2025)
- Provide a quick summary of the initiative or issue. Then explain the position your State Representative has on the issue or why they have taken on a certain initiative.
“Fighting for Our Community
When we learned St. Rose Hospital was facing imminent closure, I knew we had to act. Losing this essential healthcare facility would leave thousands of families in our area without a nearby emergency room―forcing patients with life-threatening medical emergencies to travel up to an hour or more for care.
We brought together local community and county partners, and I authored AB 2271 to rally public support and generate the media attention needed to save St. Rose. By bringing people together, we were able to broker a landmark agreement for St. Rose to join Alameda Health System and remain a community hospital that is open to all. Learn more about how we helped save St. Rose Hospital here.
St. Rose Hospital’s future is now secure, but the work doesn’t stop here. As your Assemblymember, I remain committed to fighting for healthcare access, equity, and resources that ensure every family in Alameda County has the care they deserve.” (No author given, 2025)
References
No author given, 2025, Liz Ortega Official Website, Biography, https://a20.asmdc.org/biography
No author given, 2025, California State Assembly, District 20 Details, https://www.assembly.ca.gov/assemblymembers/20
No author given, 2025, Wikipedia, Liz Ortega, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liz_Ortega
No author given, 2025, Liz Ortega, Saving St. Rose Hospital, https://a20.asmdc.org/saving-st-rose-hospital
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