Ricardo Ortega is running for the Antelope Valley Community College Governing Board Area 2 seat in the Nov. 3, 2026, California general election. The nonpartisan race also includes Arthur J. Calloway II and Newton Chelette, according to BallotReady election data.

Ortega, whose ballot designation is "CEO/Educational Advocate," said on his campaign website that his background as a former foster youth drives his candidacy. "As a former foster youth, Ricardo knows what it means to face barriers—and what it means when education, mentorship, and public service create a path forward," his website states.

Candidate information

  • Name: Ricardo Ortega
  • Race: Antelope Valley Community College Governing Board, Area 2
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Ballot designation: CEO/Educational Advocate
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California (according to his campaign website)

Experience and public service

Ortega lists seven roles on his campaign website:

  • Chief executive officer at Pax Imperium
  • Transitional Age Youth Program manager at NAMI Greater Los Angeles County
  • Statewide policy and legislative manager at California Youth Connection
  • Civil service commissioner for the city of Huntington Park
  • Immigration commissioner for California's 65th Assembly District under Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson
  • Youth commissioner on the Los Angeles County Youth Commission
  • Board member on the California Mental Health Board for Transitional Age Youth

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Ortega's campaign website responses.

Student success and completion: Ortega said students need to complete their degree, certificate or transfer pathway, not merely enroll at Antelope Valley College. He said he would expand counseling, tutoring, academic planning and early support systems.

Career and workforce pathways: Ortega said AVC should serve as a direct pathway to careers in the Antelope Valley. He said he would support workforce partnerships in healthcare, aerospace, logistics, skilled trades, education, public service and technology.

Transportation and campus access: Ortega said students across the Antelope Valley often travel long distances to reach campus. He said he would work to address transportation, parking and access barriers.

Equity and first-generation support: Ortega said AVC serves Latino students, Black students, first-generation students, English language learners, foster youth, veterans and working adults. He said he would push for policies that close equity gaps.

Affordable college and basic needs: Ortega said college affordability extends beyond tuition to textbooks, transportation, food and rent. He said he would advocate for stronger basic-needs support, textbook affordability and emergency assistance.

Endorsements

The following endorsements are listed on Ortega's campaign website unless otherwise noted:

  • Fiona Ma, California state treasurer (per a Facebook endorsement post)
  • Jacqui Irwin, California State Assembly (per a Facebook endorsement post)
  • George Whitesides, U.S. House of Representatives
  • Laura Friedman, U.S. House of Representatives
  • Los Angeles County Democratic Party
  • Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs
  • SEIU UHW
  • UNITE HERE Local 11

Candidate responses were gathered through a questionnaire and campaign website review. The Pasadena Ledger presents this information to help voters make informed decisions.