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Headshot of James Ramos

James Ramos

Democrat, State Assembly
District 45, San Bernardino
Time in office:
  • Assembly: 2018-present

News coverage of James Ramos

Bio

James Ramos, 59, became the first California Native American state lawmaker when he was elected in 2018. He’s a lifelong resident of the San Manuel Indian Reservation and member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe. He has a degree from Cal State San Bernardino and a master’s in business administration from the University of Redlands. He was the first Native American named to the California State Board of Education, the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. He is married with four children.

Ideology

Left

Moderate

Right

Bill Activity

0

Of 34 bills:
22 Passed
7 Failed
5 Pending

For this session year, this legislator initiated 34 bills: 22 passed, 7 failed, and 5 are currently pending.

Alignment Meter

See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.

xx%votes: xx

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.

Giver
Value
Date
Description
California Tribal Business Alliance$520Jul 14, 2021golf tournament, memorabilia, food, beverages (1)
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation$379.6May 6, 2021dessert box / entertainment and
San Manuel Band of Mission Indians$180Apr 30, 2021food and beverages
California Issues Forum$83Jun 21, 2021dinner
California Democratic Party$56.93May 4, 2021lunch
California Issues Forum$50.11Jun 16, 2021lunch

Gifts

Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.

Gift Received Rating
#23/120

This legislator is ranked 23rd highest for the amount of personal gifts received.

Policy

Bills Authored by James Ramos

AB 1581
Pupils: data reporting: American Indian and Alaska Native pupils.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Education

Passed
Pupils: data reporting: American Indian and Alaska Native pupils.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Education
SB 998
Educational equity: discrimination prevention coordinators.

Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Education

Passed
Educational equity: discrimination prevention coordinators.Committee: Senate Standing Committee on Education
AB 31
Peace officers: tribal police.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety

Passed
Peace officers: tribal police.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety
AB 2187
Public contracts: contracts for services.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Judiciary

Passed
Public contracts: contracts for services.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Judiciary
View All Bills

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.

Hearings

Featured Comments

Below are links to the video and transcript of recent, substantive comments by this legislator in committee hearings or floor sessions.

Preview image for AB 18411MIN
Aug 31, 2026

AB 1841

State holidays: Native American Day.

Preview image for AB 176954SEC
Aug 28, 2026

AB 1769

Student transfer: tribal colleges.

Preview image for AB 15861MIN
Aug 28, 2026

AB 1586

Opioid overdose reversal medication: school resource officers.

Preview image for AB 158148SEC
Aug 28, 2026

AB 1581

Pupils: data reporting: American Indian and Alaska Native pupils.

Preview image for AB 25391MIN
Aug 27, 2026

AB 2539

Tribal-state gaming: compact ratification.

Preview image for AB 18893MIN
Aug 27, 2026

AB 1889

Protective orders.

Preview image for AB 15812MIN
Aug 26, 2026

AB 1581

Pupils: data reporting: American Indian and Alaska Native pupils.

Preview image for AB 21151MIN
Aug 26, 2026

AB 2115

California Native Americans: formal apology.

Preview image for AB 311MIN
Aug 25, 2026

AB 31

Peace officers: tribal police.

Preview image for AB 18241MIN
Aug 25, 2026

AB 1824

Indian children: guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.

Preview image for ACR 20825MIN
Aug 3, 2026

ACR 208

California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference.

Preview image for AB 176910MIN
Jul 1, 2026

AB 1769

Student transfer: tribal colleges.

View All Hearings

District

View of map with yellow overlay for Assembly District 45 boundaries.
District 45 is a Safe Democratic District
Democratic Party candidate has a very high likelihood of winning in an election

Previous Election (2024):

James C. Ramos
63.8%
WON
Scott P. Olson
36.2%

Party Registration

Census Data

Median age0102030

Median age