Dan Ortiz

Daniel H. Ortiz is a retired high school teacher and former nonaffiliated member of the Alaska House of Representatives. He was born in Ottawa, Illinois, and has maintained residency in Alaska for over 50 years, primarily living in Ketchikan. Ortiz is married to Lori and has three children: Molly Kate, Lucy, and Sam.

During his tenure in the legislature, Ortiz caucused with Democratic-led majorities for purposes of committee assignments, despite maintaining his nonaffiliated status. He represented Alaska's 1st District from January 2015 to January 2025. He was initially elected in November 2014, defeating Republican Chere Klein by just 104 votes to succeed retiring Representative Peggy Wilson.

Education

Ortiz holds a Bachelor's Degree from Seattle Pacific University and a Master's Degree in Science of Teaching from the University of Wisconsin.

Political Experience

Ortiz served a single 10-year term in the Alaska House of Representatives before stepping down in 2025, citing health concerns as his reason for not seeking re-election. He was recognized as the 2013 American Legion Alaska State Educator of the Year and received the VFW Alaska Teacher of the Year award. As a dedicated educator, he spent 32 years teaching economics and history while also coaching cross-country, basketball, and drama-debate-forensics teams at the high school level.