FPPC Welcomes New Commissioner Elsa Ortiz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 11, 2023

For More Information Contact:

Jay Wierenga (916) 322-7761

The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s governmental ethics and campaign disclosure agency, is pleased to welcome Elsa Ortiz as its newest Commissioner.

Commissioner Ortiz was the Special Counsel on Issues Affecting Indian Nations for 13 years for California State Senator Don Perata, President Pro Tempore, and California State Senator Darrell Steinberg, President Pro Tempore, and was a Special Assistant Attorney General for 4 years under California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

Before that, Commissioner Ortiz spent 18 years as the Chief of Staff for Senator Bill Lockyer.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Commissioner Ortiz to the Commission,” said FPPC Chair Richard C. Miadich. “Her extensive background in government, legal affairs, elected and civic activity brings a well-rounded and vital perspective to our Commission.”

Ortiz is being appointed to the Commission by Attorney General Rob Bonta. The Attorney General is one of the three Constitutional Officers (Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Controller) besides the Governor with appointment powers to the Commission. She replaces former Commissioner Dr. Jose A. Gomez, who resigned from the Commission earlier this year.

Commissioner Ortiz holds a bachelor’s degree and a Teaching Credential from the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from John F. Kennedy University School of Law. In addition, Commissioner Ortiz was an elected board director of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District for 10 years.

Her term runs through January 31, 2025.

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