Ricki Ruiz
Birth nameRicardo Ruiz Madrigal
Birth datec. 1994
Birth placePortland, Oregon, U.S.
EducationWarner Pacific University (BA)
Southern New Hampshire University (MBA)
PartyDemocratic
State houseOregon
District50th
Term startJanuary 11, 2021
PredecessorCarla Piluso

Ricardo "Ricki" Ruiz Madrigal[1] (born c. 1994) is an American politician and community organizer serving as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives from the 50th district.[2]

Early life and education

Born in Portland, Oregon and raised in nearby Gresham, Ruiz graduated from the Reynolds School District in 2012 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social entrepreneurship from Warner Pacific University. He then earned a Master of Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.[3][4] Prior to entering politics, Ruiz has worked as a community organizer and as a community services coordinator for the city of Gresham.[5]

Oregon House of Representatives

In the 2020 Oregon House of Representatives election, Ruiz defeated legislative aid William Miller in the Democratic primary.[6] Ruiz then defeated Republican realtor Amelia Salvador in the general election.[7]

In the 2022 election, Ruiz ran unopposed in the primary election. The general election, a rematch between Ruiz and Salvador, resulted in Ruiz winning again, though by a smaller margin.[3] During his second term he became the youngest member of the House in 2023 at the age of 28.[8]

Committees

  • House Interim Committee On Higher Education (vice chair)
  • Joint Interim Committee On Ways and Means Subcommittee On Education
  • House Interim Committee On Economic Development and Small Business

Ruiz is also a member of the House BIPOC Caucus.[9]

Personal life

Ruiz lives in the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham and is a father.[2][10]

References

  1. ^ "Students At Warner Pacific Thrive On Strong Community Service Links". Oregon Business. 2016-09-01. Retrieved 2025-02-03.
  2. ^ "Oregon Secretary Of State". secure.sos.state.or.us. Archived 2023-04-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  3. ^ "Ricki Ruiz". Ballotpedia. Archived 2021-10-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  4. ^ Keizur, Christopher. "Local soccer advocate receives scholarship". Archived 2016-12-16 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  5. ^ "A quiet leader: Young Rockwood resident works to create community futsal field". Multnomah County. 2015-08-18. Archived 2022-12-09 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  6. ^ "Ricki Ruiz wins primary race between two young community activists vying to represent East Portland and Gresham". oregonlive. 2020-05-20. Archived 2020-11-17 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  7. ^ Keizur, Christopher. "25-year-old Democrat headed to Oregon Legislature". Archived 2020-11-05 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  8. ^ Shumway, Julia (28 November 2022). "Oregon Legislature's racial diversity continues to grow after 2022 election • Oregon Capital Chronicle". Oregon Capital Chronicle. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
  9. ^ "Oregon's BIPOC Legislative Caucus: Legislative Agenda". Home. Archived 2023-11-02 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-10-10.
  10. ^ Keizur, Christopher (18 March 2022). "Rep. Ricki Ruiz talks fatherhood, making Salem accessible". TheOutlookOnline.com. Retrieved 24 January 2025.