

Dave Cortese
- Senate: 2020-present
News coverage of Dave Cortese
Bio
Dave Cortese, 70, is the son of longtime California Assemblymember Dominic Cortese. After graduating from UC Davis and Lincoln Law School, he spent most of the next three decades on a local school board, the San Jose City Council and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. He worked in finance, ranching and real estate and opened a private law practice. In the Senate, he authored legislation Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed that would have allowed car dealers to tack on another $175 in fees to the cost of buying a vehicle. He’s married with four children.
Leader Badges
Ideology
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Bill Activity
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Of 38 bills:For this session year, this legislator initiated 38 bills: 13 passed, 6 failed, and 19 are currently pending.
Alignment Meter
See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.
Influence
There are three categories of donations to legislators after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the legislator. The three categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel, 3-Behests.
Policy
Bills Authored by Dave Cortese
Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Transportation
Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Education
Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions
Committees
Most of the policy work in the state Capitol is done in “Standing” committees. Legislators also work on budget subcommittees. There are also “Special” and “Select” committees with a more narrow topic focus. And there are “Joint” committees with members from the Senate and Assembly.
Interest Group Rankings
Generally Aligned
Hearings
Featured Comments
Below are links to the video and transcript of recent, substantive comments by this legislator in committee hearings or floor sessions.
District
The maps and information about this district reflect the boundaries when this Senator was last elected in 2020. Since then legislative districts have been redrawn according to the latest US Census. This district will change after the 2024 election.

Previous Election (2024):
Party Registration
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District
State
Census Data
Median age