David Ortiz (politician)

David Ortiz is a Democratic member of Colorado State House of Representatives. Ortiz is the representative for Colorado's 38th House District, which situated in western Arapahoe County and includes the community of Columbine Valley as well as most the town of Littleton and the Southglenn neighborhood of Centennial.[1]

David Daniel Ortiz
Member of the Colorado House of Representatives
from the 38th district
Assumed office
January 13, 2021
Preceded byRichard Champion
Personal details
BornMay 25, 1982
Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)Littleton, Colorado, U.S.
Alma materSt. Thomas University (BA)
Websitewww.davidortizcolorado.com
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army

Ortiz sits on both the House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee and the Health & Insurance Committee.[2] He is the first bisexual legislator[3] and the first wheelchair user[4] to serve in the chamber.

Background

In 2012, Ortiz survived a helicopter crash while serving as a pilot in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Following his recovery at Craig Hospital, Ortiz worked as a lobbyist for veterans and behavioral health issues through the United Veterans Committee.[5][6][7]

Colorado State Legislature

Ortiz was elected to the state House in 2020, defeating newly appointed Republican Representative Richard Champion by a margin of 55.57% to 44.43%.[8] After a 400-vote loss in the district two years prior, HD38 was a major target for state Democrats during the 2020 cycle.[9]

During the 2021 legislative session, Ortiz was the prime sponsor for 24 bills, more than any other freshman House representative.[10] These sponsored bills included HB21-1110, which adopted the public accessibility standards established in the Americans with Disabilities Act into Colorado state law.[11]

In October 2023, Ortiz announced that he would not seek re-election to a third term in 2024, endorsing Littleton mayor pro tem Gretchen Rydin as his successor.[12]

References
  1. "State House District Map". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  2. "Colorado General Assembly Legislator Profile | David Ortiz". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  3. "Afghanistan vet David Ortiz will be Colorado's first out bisexual lawmaker". LGBTQNation. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  4. "The Election of A War Veteran in Colorado Puts Wheelchair Access Front And Center At The Capitol". CPR News. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  5. "Ortiz for Colorado | About David". Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  6. "Ortiz for Colorado | The Work". Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  7. "Adapative Adventures Board Members Bio | David Ortiz". Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  8. "2020 Election Results | Colorado Secretary of State". Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  9. "In House District 38, Ortiz wins back seat for Democrats". Littleton Independent. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  10. "Colorado Capitol Profile". Colorado Capitol Watch. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  11. "HB21-1110 Laws for Coloradans with Disabilities". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
  12. Wilson, Sara (October 11, 2023). "Colorado lawmaker David Ortiz decides not to seek third term in 2024". Colorado Newsline. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
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