ENDORSEMENTS

Gresham Mayor

“Representative Ruiz has been a steadfast advocate for our community, consistently driving meaningful progress. His dedication to public safety, youth violence prevention, and enhancing park recreation opportunities has made a tangible difference in our city. Rep Ruiz’s leadership and committment have been instrumental in making House DIstrict 50 a safer, more vibrant place for al of us. I wholeheartedly support his re-electon.”

Former Gresham Mayor

“Meeting Ricki when he started his internship for the City of Gresham, I immediately sensed his deep commitment to serving his city, particularly his home neighborhood of Rockwood. He completed a significant project by building a set of futsal courts, which the community greatly appreciated. Watching Ricki serve on the school board for five years and now in the legislature comes as no surprise; Ricki was destined to lead with the community at the forefront of his efforts. His dedication to public service and improving the lives of those around him has been evident from the start.”

Former Gresham Mayor

“Having worked closely with Rep Ruiz for over nine years, I’ve witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to our community. From revitalizing Gresham’s parks to guiding the Gresham Youth Advisory Council, his leadership has constantly driven positive change. Watching him step up as our state representative has been fantastic to witness. I met Ricki as a young man still in school. This is what we mean when we say we want all kids in Gresham to meet their potential. You can not get better than an elected official that grew up in the community they serve. I am proud to support his re-election campaign, confident that he will continue to be a powerful advocate for our city, our kids, and our residents.”

Gresham City Councilor

“Rep. Ruiz and I had meaningful conversations about the state of our city and communities, particularly the rise in youth violence. In response, we developed the East Metro Outreach Prevention and Intervention (EMOPI) program, aimed at mentoring youth and guiding them towards success. In 2021, Rep. Ruiz championed a $2 million investment in this program, and under his leadership, the funding has now more than doubled to $5 million. This expansion will extend the program's reach to the cities of Fairview, Wood Village, and Troutdale, as well as areas east of 82nd Avenue. Rep. Ruiz's dedication to public safety and youth empowerment has been instrumental in addressing these critical issues.”