LANCASTER, CA —Ricardo Ortega, a nonprofit executive, former foster youth and first-generation college graduate, is seeking a seat on the Antelope Valley Community College District Board of Trustees, representing Trustee Area 2, in the upcoming November 3, 2026 General Election.

Ortega says his campaign is focused on improving student achievement, expanding workforce opportunities, addressing student housing and basic needs, and strengthening transparency in how public funds are managed.

From Foster Youth to Community Leadership

Ortega’s personal experiences have shaped his approach to education and public service. After navigating foster care and housing insecurity, he became a homeowner at just 21 years old.

He believes his background provides a valuable perspective on the challenges facing students who struggle with financial instability, housing, transportation and access to educational resources.

“Education changed the trajectory of my life, and I believe every student at Antelope Valley College deserves that same opportunity,” Ortega said

He emphasized that students need support not only to enroll in college but also to complete their education, transfer to universities and enter successful careers.

Experience in Advocacy and Public Service

Ortega currently serves as Transitional Age Youth Program Manager at NAMI Greater Los Angeles County and as CEO of Pax Imperium.

His previous positions include Statewide Policy and Legislative Manager at California Youth Connection and inaugural Los Angeles County Youth Commissioner.

He has also served on the California Youth Connection Board of Directors and the Huntington Park Civil Service Commission.

His campaign highlights this experience as preparation for working with students, faculty, college administrators and community organizations.

Five Key Priorities for Antelope Valley College

According to his campaign, Ortega plans to concentrate on five major areas:

1. Student Success: Improve access to tutoring, academic counseling, courses, degree completion and transfer opportunities.

2. Workforce Development: Strengthen partnerships with local employers, labor unions, aerospace companies, healthcare providers and apprenticeship programs to prepare students for well-paying careers.

3. Student Housing and Basic Needs: Explore responsible student-housing solutions while expanding support for students experiencing food insecurity, transportation difficulties and financial hardship.

4. Campus Safety and Wellness: Support mental-health services, student assistance programs and safe learning environments.

5. Transparency and Accountability: Promote responsible budgeting, public oversight and stronger communication between college leadership and the community.

Campaign Announces Political and Labor Endorsements

Ortega’s campaign reports endorsements from several elected officials, including Congressman George Whitesides, Congresswoman Laura Friedman, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Senator Maria Elena Durazo and Assemblymembers Juan Carrillo, Jacqui Irwin, Robert Garcia, Rick Zbur and Pilar Schiavo.

The campaign also lists support from labor and public-safety organizations, including ALADS, IAFF Local 1014, SEIU-UHW, LIUNA Local 300, UA Local 250 and UA Local 709.

These endorsements were announced by the campaign and have not been independently verified for this article.

Connecting Education With the Antelope Valley Economy

One of Ortega’s central campaign messages is the importance of connecting higher education with employment opportunities in the Antelope Valley.

The region’s aerospace, healthcare, construction and skilled-trades industries provide potential career pathways for community college students.

Ortega believes stronger partnerships between Antelope Valley College and local employers could help students transition from classrooms into the workforce.

“Antelope Valley College should be an engine of opportunity for our region,” Ortega stated in his campaign announcement.

Voters to Decide November 3

The race for Trustee Area 2 will be decided during the November 3, 2026 General Election.

The Antelope Valley Community College District Board of Trustees plays an important role in college governance, including institutional policies, budgets and long-term educational priorities.

Ortega is presenting himself as a candidate focused on educational opportunity, community collaboration and fiscal responsibility.

Voters interested in learning more about his campaign can visit www.ortegaricardo.com.

Source: Ricardo Ortega campaign press release . This article is based on information provided by the campaign. Candidate statements, endorsements and proposals are attributed to the campaign and do not constitute an endorsement by AV Daily News.

AV Daily News | Antelope Valley Election 2026 Coverage