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 by | Richard Champion |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 25, 1982 Rapid City, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Littleton, Colorado, U.S. |
| Alma mater | St. Thomas University (BA) |
| Website | www |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United 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]