Deborah Ortiz Endorses Dave Jones

In a significant boost to his campaign for State Senate, Dave Jones has secured the endorsement of Deborah Ortiz, a trailblazing former State Senator and current President of the Los Rios Community College District Board. Ortiz, whose legacy includes landmark public health and environmental justice legislation, cited Jones's proven record as a champion for consumers, healthcare access, and equity. Her endorsement adds to a growing coalition of elected officials, labor groups, and community leaders backing Jones's bid.

A Trailblazer's Seal of Approval

Deborah Ortiz is no stranger to breaking barriers. She was the first Latina and first woman of color elected to the Sacramento City Council, and later to represent Sacramento in both the State Assembly and State Senate. Her endorsement carries weight not only because of her historic firsts but because of her substantive policy achievements. Ortiz authored legislation that established the California Department of Public Health, banned sodas in primary and middle schools, protected embryonic stem cell research, and set safe drinking water safeguards. She also created California's Biomonitoring Program to measure exposure to environmental toxins and wrote the law guaranteeing Cal Grants for students with good grades and financial need.

In announcing her endorsement, Ortiz emphasized Jones's thoughtful and tested advocacy. She highlighted his work as California's Insurance Commissioner and State Assemblymember, where he fought to protect consumers, expand access to quality healthcare, support reproductive rights, and advance equity and justice in public policy. "I know that Dave will be a bold progressive advocate for our communities in the State Senate," Ortiz said.

"I’m proud to endorse Dave Jones because he has proven time and again that he is a thoughtful and tested advocate for the rights of every Californian." — Deborah Ortiz

Why This Endorsement Matters

Endorsements from figures like Ortiz signal to voters that Jones is not just a candidate with good ideas, but one with a track record of turning progressive values into tangible results. Ortiz's own career has been defined by her ability to navigate complex policy arenas and deliver wins for public health and equity. Her backing suggests that Jones shares that same commitment and competence.

Moreover, Ortiz's deep roots in Sacramento—from her time on the City Council to her current role on the Los Rios Community College District Board—give her unique insight into the needs of the district Jones hopes to represent. Her endorsement is a strong indicator that Jones is the right choice for voters who care about education, healthcare, and environmental justice.

A Career Defined by Public Service

Deborah Ortiz's public service career spans over three decades. She served on the Sacramento City Council from 1993 to 1996, then in the State Assembly from 1996 to 1998, and in the State Senate from 1998 to 2006. After leaving the legislature, she continued her work in the nonprofit sector, holding executive positions at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, the California Primary Care Association, and Opening Doors, a refugee resettlement nonprofit. She has also served on the boards of several other organizations, including Close the Gap and the American Cancer Society of California.

This breadth of experience—from elected office to nonprofit leadership—gives Ortiz a comprehensive view of the challenges facing Californians. Her endorsement of Jones is rooted in a belief that he will address those challenges with the same dedication she has shown throughout her career.

Dave Jones: A Record of Fighting for the Vulnerable

Dave Jones began his career as a legal aid attorney, providing free legal assistance to the poor with Legal Services of Northern California. That early experience shaped his commitment to justice and equity. As a State Assemblymember, he authored legislation to protect consumers and expand healthcare access. As California's Insurance Commissioner, he took on powerful insurance companies to ensure fair treatment for policyholders.

Jones's record aligns closely with Ortiz's priorities. Both have championed reproductive rights, environmental protections, and policies that uplift marginalized communities. Their shared values make Ortiz's endorsement a natural fit and a powerful signal to progressive voters.

A Growing Coalition of Support

Ortiz joins a diverse and growing list of endorsers for Jones. Other notable supporters include Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, Congressmember Ted Lieu, Congresswoman Katie Porter, environmental leader Fran Pavley, and State Treasurer Fiona Ma. Each of these leaders brings their own constituency and credibility, further solidifying Jones's position as a frontrunner.

The breadth of this coalition—spanning environmental advocates, labor allies, and community leaders—demonstrates that Jones has the trust of those who have fought for progressive causes across California. With Ortiz's endorsement, Jones gains not only a respected voice but also a connection to the Sacramento community that Ortiz has served for decades.

What This Means for the Campaign

Endorsements like Ortiz's can have a tangible impact on a campaign. They provide validation for undecided voters, energize volunteers, and can lead to increased fundraising and media attention. For Jones, Ortiz's endorsement is particularly valuable because of her reputation as a principled and effective leader.

As the race for State Senate heats up, Jones is positioning himself as the candidate with both the vision and the experience to deliver for Californians. With Ortiz in his corner, that message is amplified. Voters can expect to see more high-profile endorsements in the coming weeks, but few will carry the weight of Deborah Ortiz's.

Looking Ahead

Dave Jones's campaign continues to build momentum, and the endorsement from Deborah Ortiz is a significant milestone. Her legacy of fighting for public health, education, and environmental justice aligns perfectly with Jones's own priorities. As the election approaches, Jones will likely lean on Ortiz's endorsement to connect with voters who remember her impactful tenure in the legislature.

For those who care about progressive values and effective governance, the choice is becoming clearer. With Deborah Ortiz's endorsement, Dave Jones has further solidified his standing as the candidate who will be a bold advocate for all Californians in the State Senate.