OSCAR ORTIZ is FIGHTING for CALIFORNIA’S Working FAMILIES
Meet Oscar Ortiz
Oscar Ortiz was born in Mexicali and was raised in Indio by working-class parents who taught him the values of resilience, sacrifice, and community. From graduating top of his class at Indio High School to earning a chemistry degree from Stanford—where he researched bioterrorism defense—Oscar has always blended grit with purpose.
He went on to build a decade-long career in the pharmaceutical industry, developing life-saving treatments and bringing a scientist’s mindset to public policy. Today, he serves as Deputy Director of a regional nonprofit focused on land conservation and environmental education.
In 2018, Oscar made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Indio City Council. As both Councilmember and Mayor, he led with compassion and competence—guiding the city through unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Storm Hilary, while championing affordable housing, bilingual outreach, and support for small businesses.
Oscar also chairs regional clean energy and sustainability commissions, helping protect our natural resources and expand access to environmental education across the Coachella Valley.
Now, Oscar is ready to bring that experience and heart to Sacramento—to fight for California’s working families, invest strategically into our communities, and ensure the voices of District 36 are heard and respected at the state level.
Priorities
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Affordable Housing for Working People
Every family deserves the dignity of a safe, stable place to call home. But here in California, too many working families are being priced out of the communities that they’ve helped to build and sustain. Teachers, farmworkers, first responders, and small business owners shouldn’t have to choose between paying their rent or paying for decent healthcare for their families.
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Healthcare You Can Count On
Basic healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury for working families, and it shouldn’t send our families spiraling into debt. Here in District 36, too many families still struggle to access the care they need—from basic preventative services to mental health support and access to healthcare specialists. We will make sure our healthcare dollars are going to healthcare workers and medical needs, not insurance companies and corporate profits.
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Economic Development Rooted in Local Labor and Sustainability
Oscar Ortiz knows that a strong economy and a healthy environment are not mutually exclusive. As Deputy Director of an environmental education nonprofit and Chair of regional energy commissions, he’s spent years bringing people together to protect our natural resources and create good-paying jobs in clean energy and energy efficiency. We will work with our local unions to build a green economy that supports the workers of District 36 and provides a sustainable, resilient future for the next generation.
About ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 36
Stretching from the Dead Mountains in the north to the U.S.-Mexico border in the south, California’s 36th Assembly District spans a vast and diverse region of the southeastern desert. The district includes 100% of Imperial County, nearly 12% of Riverside County, and a small portion of San Bernardino County. It is home to vibrant, majority working-class communities with landscapes ranging from agricultural heartlands to desert mountain ranges.
Join the movement
Oscar’s campaign is powered by the people, not lobbyists or special interests. Help us build a stronger, more inclusive California by standing with the leader who stands with California’s workforce.