Jerry Ortiz y Pino

Gerald P. "Jerry" Ortiz y Pino (born August 27, 1942) is an American politician and social worker who served as a member of the New Mexico Senate, where he has represented the 12th district from 2005 to 2024.

Jerry Ortiz y Pino
Member of the New Mexico Senate from the 12th district
In office 2005 – December 31, 2024
Preceded by	Richard M. Romero
Succeeded by	Jay C. Block
Personal details
Born	(1942-08-27) August 27, 1942 (age 82) Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Donna Bruzzese
Residence	Albuquerque, New Mexico
Education	University of New Mexico (BA) Tulane University (MSW)
Profession	Social worker

Early life and education

Ortiz y Pino was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is one of six siblings.^[1] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico, followed by a Master of Social Work from Tulane University.^[2]

Political career

Ortiz y Pino succeeded Richard M. Romero, a fellow Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for Congress and Mayor of Albuquerque in 2009. Ortiz y Pino ran unopposed in 2008, 2012, 2016. He also wrote a recurring column which appeared in the Weekly Alibi, an alternative publication in the Albuquerque.^[3]

Ortiz y Pino has advocated for the legalization of cannabis in New Mexico.^[4] Ortiz y Pino is a supporter of Bernie Sanders, and endorsed the senator during the 2016 and 2020 Democratic Party primaries.^[5][6][7]

In 2024, Ortiz y Pino voted against establishing an Office of Housing within the executive to coordinate housing policies across state entities and develop comprehensive plans to increase housing supply.^[8]