DOWNEY — Horacio Ortiz Jr. is the first council member in City of Downey history to be on TikTok.

That may not sound like a big deal but let me tell you why it is. TikTok has over 1 billion active users. It’s double the size of Snapchat and quickly catching up to Instagram. If you dismiss TikTok as a silly app used only by silly teenagers, you’re underestimating its relevance as a global communication tool.

TikTok isn’t the reason why Ortiz was elected to the Downey City Council last November but it’s indicative of the demographic that propelled him to victory. Speak to young people ages 18-30 and they feel underrepresented in Downey. Who’s fighting for their interests let alone interested in what they have to say?

There’s a large swath of voters who are tired of being represented by real estate agents.

“I feel like there’s been a disconnect between the city council and residents,” said Ortiz, 32. “There are lots of people in my generation that want their voices to be heard. They’re moving away from Downey and maybe coming back later on, but I want them to stay here.”

Ortiz has been called “the future of Downey” because he doesn’t check the boxes of Downey’s traditional politicians. He’s not a realtor (he and his family own the El Pescador chain of restaurants). He doesn’t aspire for higher political office (at least not publicly).

“I’m just trying to fulfill the promises I made when I campaigned last year,” said Ortiz. “My goals were to reduce homelessness, reduce crime, bolster our code enforcement and improve our quality of life. We have a good city council now that is working together and we’re making progress.”

Since taking office, Ortiz has bonded with fellow freshman councilmember Dorothy Pemberton. Together, they’re assembling a strong resume that emphasizes quality of life issues in Downey neighborhoods. Ortiz – who famously voted in opposition to Ojos Locos when he was on the planning commission – introduced policy to limit tobacco retailers near schools and daycares. He’s trying to crack down on the recent influx of street performers at busy intersections. And he’s close to bringing a dog park to Golden Park in south Downey.

Ortiz hopes these efforts will gain him favor from voters when they head to the polls in November. Last year, he was elected to finish the unexpired term of Blanca Pacheco. He’s now seeking a full four-year term. If he wins and is re-elected in 2028, Ortiz would serve 10 years on the city council, something that’s never happened in Downey history.

One of Ortiz’s earliest supporters was former two-time Downey mayor Mario Guerra, who endorsed Ortiz early and helped guide his campaign.

“He’s young, vibrant, he’s got the passion and the energy and I knew that he would be willing to serve,” Guerra said recently. “I got a lot of static for endorsing him. I had people call me names [but] every day he vindicates my belief in what he was doing.

“He works great with the rest of the council, he really cares about the community and I love his youth and energy. I think that’s Downey’s future. I’m ecstatic that he’s our council member and I look forward to him serving us for a long time.”

Guerra and Ortiz became close enough that they began co-hosting a podcast, “Talking Downey,” that recaps city council meetings and other city news. Ortiz sees it as another opportunity to engage with the public.

Ortiz credits another Mario – Mayor Mario Trujillo – for his mentorship early into his political pursuits. In fact, Ortiz said two unnamed former Downey mayors discouraged him from running for office.

“One said I was too young and one sent me to their assistant,” said Ortiz. “Instead of saying, ‘Hey, you can get involved in this, this or that,’ they closed the door and said ‘Maybe this isn’t your time.’

“Mario [Trujillo] said, ‘Help me in my campaign, this is what you have to get involved in, this is what you’re going to do.’ And that chance he gave me propelled me to where I am today. At least in the political world, Mario started this journey for me. I don’t shy away from that friendship because I’m always going to be true and honest of those who helped me from the very beginning and I never shy away from my friends.

“One thing he always told me was, ‘You don’t have to vote with me on everything.’ And I agree with that. There are some things I agree with him on and some things I disagree with.”

For the rest of 2024, Ortiz said he will focus on fulfilling his campaign promises – all except one. Ortiz said his idea of opening a police substation in south Downey isn’t likely to happen until the police department hires more officers.

“When I spoke to our police chief, he said that we are outgrowing our police station but first let’s fill the vacancies, and I see that,” Ortiz said. “We’re down 10 police officers and so once we have that, we have to consider either moving up our station or finding another place to move some things.”

It’s too early to know who, if anyone, will challenge Ortiz for his city council seat. But the way Ortiz sees it, his success equals success for his district.

“I’ve heard somebody say I’m the future of Downey,” Ortiz acknowledged. “We have this motto that says ‘Future Unlimited’ but I don’t think we necessarily tapped on that potential. There’s a bright future for Downey. I want to ensure that my generation has a voice and they continue to stay here. Because a lot of us think that Downey has run its course. I want to ensure that they continue thinking Downey is the place to get married, to raise their kids, so they don’t feel out of place living here. It’s a Downey for everyone.”

Horacio Ortiz Jr. is the future of Downey