Dave Cortese is a Democratic state senator representing California State Senate District 15, which encompasses much of Santa Clara County in Silicon Valley, including the cities of Cupertino, Los Gatos, Campbell, Saratoga, and communities within San Jose. Born June 3, 1956, Cortese is the son of former California Assemblymember Dominic Cortese. He is married to Pattie Cortese, a school board trustee, and has four children. He is of Italian heritage and has spent his career as an attorney and business owner with experience in finance, ranching, and real estate.

Cortese is known for his progressive stance on climate change and environmental protection, affordable housing, public transit expansion, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. He led Santa Clara County's transition to 100% renewable electric power and was instrumental in creating the County Climate Coalition in partnership with Al Gore's Climate Reality Project. He also helped establish Silicon Valley Clean Energy, a community-owned provider of carbon-free electricity.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Political Science from UC Davis
• Juris Doctor from Lincoln Law School, San Jose

Political Experience

• East Side Union High School District Trustee
• San Jose City Councilmember and Vice Mayor , including two years as Vice Mayor
• Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors , with four years as Board President
• California State Senator , elected with over 70% of the vote

Leadership positions include Chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission , President of the Valley Transportation Authority , President of the Association of Bay Area Governments , and Chair of the California Senate Labor, Public Employment & Retirement Committee. He initiated Santa Clara County's Gender and Ethnicity Pay Equity Ordinance and the County's Anti-Human Trafficking Team. In the State Senate, he serves on Transportation, Ethics, Education, Housing, Labor, and Agriculture committees and has been a strong advocate for decarbonization, criminal justice reform, and addressing sexual assault and gender-based violence.