Hector De La Torre
Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) represents the 50th Assembly District, which includes eight cities in southeast Los Angeles County - Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Commerce, Cudahy, Downey, Lynwood, South Gate as well as the unincorporated neighborhoods of Florence-Graham, and Walnut Park. He was elected November 2004.
Assemblymember Hector De La Torre has been named Chair of the newly created Assembly Committee on Accountability and Administrative Review. The new committee will make its recommendations to the budget process and propose legislation based on hearings and investigations that would assist the economy and efficiency of state government. The committee will be responsible for reviewing and studying the administration, operation and effectiveness of programs and government agencies. In addition, it will review whether our government agencies are meeting their goals, delivering the services Californians have been promised and achieving results.
Assemblymember De La Torre serves on the following standing committees: Budget, Health, Housing and Community Development, Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services and Budget Subcommittee # 4 on State Administration.
De La Torre has worked to bring healthcare solutions to the residents of the 50th Assembly District and pushed for the passage of landmark legislation to guarantee transparency in healthcare insurance policies throughout California. He has fought to re-invest in our educational system, improve our water system, create awareness of recycled water, and tackle local infrastructure needs. In addition, he has successfully expanded eligibility for state financial aid for students attending college.
De La Torre has a longstanding track record for championing legislation to ensure the integrity and accountability of public officials. During his legislative tenure he has succeed in passing key bills to hold government entities accountable and financially responsible for safeguarding taxpayer money. Examples include Assembly Bill 11 to reduce unethical practices by city councils, Assembly Bill 2753 prohibiting recalled elected officials from spending city funds when not authorized and Assembly Bill 2092 aimed at restoring public trust by assuring persons with a felony conviction cannot hold public office.
Prior to serving in the Assembly, he served eight-years on the city council of his native city of South Gate, including 2 years as mayor. He is largely credited for leading South Gate residents in a grassroots campaign to recall corrupt elected officials, stabilize the city’s financial condition, and rebuild public trust.
Assemblymember De La Torre has worked to enhance the quality of life in the 50th Assembly District by ensuring funding to build new parks, investing in local infrastructure, attracting economic development, and improving police and community relations. He has also worked as an advocate for new and better school facilities to alleviate overcrowding.
Assemblymember De La Torre holds a B.A. in Diplomacy and World Affairs from Occidental College and undertook graduate studies at The George Washington University. He was appointed the Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration.
De La Torre has previously worked as a corporate project manager. Most recently, he served as a judicial administrator with the Superior Court in Los Angeles County.
Assemblymember De La Torre and his wife, Christine, live in South Gate with their children Elinor, Henrik, and Emilia.