Gerald P. “Jerry” Ortiz y Pino is an American politician and social worker serving as a member of the New Mexico Senate, where he has represented the 12th district since 2005. Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he is one of six siblings. Ortiz y Pino earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico and later obtained a Master of Social Work from Tulane University.
Throughout his political career, Ortiz y Pino has been an advocate for various causes. He succeeded Richard M. Romero, a fellow Democrat, and has run for re-election unopposed in 2008, 2012, and 2016. Additionally, he wrote a recurring column for the Weekly Alibi, an alternative publication in Albuquerque. Notably, Ortiz y Pino has been a strong proponent of cannabis legalization in New Mexico.
He is also a supporter of Bernie Sanders and endorsed the senator during the 2016 and 2020 Democratic Party primaries.
