Horacio Ortiz has lived in Downey his entire life. He graduated from Don Bosco Technical Institute with honors and attended the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

While attending UCSD and upon his return to Downey, Horacio joined several academic clubs, non-profit organizations, fundraised for his church, and sought out events that helped his community. In 2014, Horacio Ortiz and his father opened a new restaurant in a neighboring city that Horacio manages and fully operates.

In 2020, Horacio Ortiz was appointed as the Planning Commissioner for District 5 overseeing the entire City of Downey. During his tenure, he attracted new family-friendly businesses to our city. He was a vocal advocate against outside interests that do not share our family-first values and ultimately was voted Chair of the Downey Planning Commission. His experience as a small business owner, holding key leadership roles in the community and his education in political science, makes him uniquely qualified to continue serving all residents of Downey. Now as a Councilman for District 1, Horacio will continue his dedication for the betterment of Downey but at a larger scale. Horacio’s family taught him to be humble and to always give back to the community. He now serves as a member of several local non-profits organizations including Gangs Out of Downey, the Downey Rose Float Association, and Downey Kiwanis.

Horacio also started a non-profit organization with his family, where they fund cleft palate surgeries for low income children, and fundraise for St. Jude’s hospital, they also provide beds for two orphanages in Tijuana. As a member of the Downey Kiwanis in partnership with Rancho Los Amigos, CalFresh, and the Department of Public Health, Horacio has dedicated many hours serving fresh food and vegetables to low income families in the efforts to prevent more homelessness.

Horacio’s proudest moment is being elected to serve on Downey’s City Council for District 1. He acknowledges that the road ahead to make Downey a lasting place for everyone is going to be tough, but he is ready and full energized. Horacio will continue to listen to the concerns of his fellow citizens. His goal is to pass on a legacy for the future generation to live in a safer and more enjoyable environment. He is proud to start his new role on the City Council, and looks forward to getting the job done.

Term in Office
December 2023 – December 2024

Downey City Hall
City Council Office
11111 Brookshire Avenue
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 904-7274
hortizjr@downeyca.org