Meet Rep Ricki
About Ricki
Born in Portland but raised in Gresham, Oregon, Ricki Ruiz has deep roots in the state, with his family calling Oregon home since 1984. Growing up, both of Ricki's parents worked in the agricultural sector for over 25 years before retiring. Ricki was the first member of his family to graduate from high school and later became the first to earn a bachelor's degree from Warner Pacific University.
In 2017, Ricki Ruiz was elected as the youngest member of the Reynolds School Board of Directors, where he served for over four years. Building on this experience, he was then elected to represent his community in the Oregon House of Representatives in 2021, emerging as one of the youngest members in the chamber. Now in his second term, Ricki is prepared to return to Salem and continue his service for a third term in the Oregon Legislature.
Since his tenure in the legislature, Ruiz has served on various committees, including Education, Higher Education, Economic Development and Small Business, Human Services, and the Ways and Means Committee in Education. In 2023, he was elected to serve as the Co-Chair of the BIPOC Caucus, a position he was re-elected to in 2024, also earning a leadership role as an ex-officio member.
Throughout his time in office, Represenative Ricki Ruiz has championed legislation aimed at increasing public education funding, supporting small businesses, and ensuring public safety remains a top priority for House District 50.
Ricki’s proven track record of delivering tangible results, deep understanding of our community’s unique needs, and unwavering commitment to serving every resident with integrity and dedication.
Over the past term, Representative Ricki Ruiz has successfully championed policies that have improved education, fostered economic growth, and enhanced the quality of life for all.
His ability to build coalitions, listen to diverse perspectives, and turn our collective vision into actionable outcomes sets him apart as the leader our district needs.
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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 commitment have been instrumental in making House District 50 a safer, more vibrant place for all of us. I wholeheartedly support his re-election.
—Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall
a true champion for labor
“Representative Ricki Ruiz has been a true champion for labor, consistently standing up for the rights and needs of the working class. Their unwavering support for fair wages, safe working conditions, and strong labor protections has made a significant impact on our community. I have seen firsthand his dedication to ensuring that every worker has a voice and an advocate."
— U.S. Congresswoman Val Hoyle
“Representative Ruiz is a dedicated advocate for education, committed to supporting our entire education system from pre-K through higher education, including certification and trade programs. His work to secure funding, improve resources, and create opportunities for students and educators alike has been transformative. Representative Ruiz's holistic approach ensures that every learner, at every stage, has the tools they need to succeed. I am proud to support their re-election."