Serving

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

State HouseDemocrat

WI-8 State House

Mexican-American·Consumer Protection Committee Ranking Member

Why This Race Matters

Ortiz-Velez is running for her fourth term representing Milwaukee's South Side, a predominantly Latino district. An independent-minded Democrat who sometimes crosses party lines, she left the Assembly Democratic caucus in September 2025 amid internal conflicts but remains a registered Democrat.

Announced re-election run on September 19, 2025, stating she has authored or co-authored over 60 bills signed into law. Won 2024 general election unopposed (defeated Enrique Murguia in August 2024 primary). Speaker Vos's office confirmed Capitol Police found threat allegations against her not credible. Author of historic Hispanic Heritage Month resolution AJR 83. One of seven Democrats to support bipartisan state budget.

Key dates to watch: General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Sylvia Ortiz-Velez is a Wisconsin State Representative serving District 8 in Milwaukee, now in her third term since 2021. Born and raised on Milwaukee's South Side, she is the daughter of a Mexican immigrant mother who came to Wisconsin in the 1960s to pick strawberries in Sussex. A first-generation college graduate, Ortiz-Velez worked as a real estate broker and served on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors before entering the Legislature. She credits Cesar Chavez's advocacy for farmworker rights with giving her the opportunities she has today.

Family & Heritage

Daughter of Mexican immigrant mother who came to Wisconsin in the 1960s to pick strawberries in Sussex. One of eight children. First in her family to graduate from college. Born and raised on Milwaukee's South Side.

Political Career

Before Politics

Real estate broker; Small business operator; Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors District 12 (2018-2022, defeated incumbent Peggy West with 57%); Member of County Board committees: Intergovernmental Relations, Judiciary Safety and General Services, Transportation Public Works and Transit; Mitchell Park Domes Task Force member

Education

BA Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Area Technical College

Key Issues & Priorities

*Consumer protection

*Housing and real estate reform

*Reckless driving penalties

*Domestic violence victim funding

*Affordable housing

*Protecting disabled, senior, and blind community members

*Hispanic Heritage Month recognition

Notable Legislation

AJR 83 - Hispanic Heritage Month Recognition

First Hispanic Heritage Month recognition to pass WI Assembly

passed

60+ Bills Signed Into Law

Co-authored over 60 bills signed into law by Governor Tony Evers across consumer protection, housing, and public safety

signed into law