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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 33 bills:
7 Passed
5 Failed
21 Pending

For this session year, this legislator initiated 33 bills: 7 passed, 5 failed, and 21 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 1881
California Indian Freedom Act of 2026.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Judiciary

In Progress
California Indian Freedom Act of 2026.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Judiciary
AB 1641
Postsecondary education: segments: tribal colleges and universities.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education

In Progress
Postsecondary education: segments: tribal colleges and universities.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education
AB 1769
Student transfer: tribal colleges.

Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education

In Progress
Student transfer: tribal colleges.Committee: Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education
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 18816MIN
May 27, 2026

AB 1881

California Indian Freedom Act of 2026.

Preview image for AB 16811MIN
May 26, 2026

AB 1681

Victim’s and witness’ rights.

Preview image for AB 17691MIN
May 26, 2026

AB 1769

Student transfer: tribal colleges.

Preview image for AB 21152MIN
May 26, 2026

AB 2115

California Native Americans: formal apology.

Preview image for AB 20181MIN
May 26, 2026

AB 2018

Missing persons: DNA testing.

Preview image for AB 18891MIN
May 26, 2026

AB 1889

Protective orders.

Preview image for AB 18412MIN
May 26, 2026

AB 1841

State holidays: Native American Day.

Preview image for AB 21871MIN
May 22, 2026

AB 2187

Public contracts: contracts for services.

Preview image for AB 15791MIN
May 22, 2026

AB 1579

Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program.

Preview image for AB 15921MIN
May 22, 2026

AB 1592

California Indian Heritage Center support organization.

Preview image for AB 15811MIN
May 14, 2026

AB 1581

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

Preview image for AB 15861MIN
May 14, 2026

AB 1586

Opioid overdose reversal medication: school resource officers.

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