Born on April 4, 1965, in Escuintla, Guatemala, Norma J. Torres represents California's 35th congressional district as a member of the Democratic Party. Throughout her educational journey, Torres attended Mountain View High School in El Monte, California, before moving on to Mount San Antonio College and Rio Hondo College. In 2012, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the National Labor College in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Before her election to Congress, Torres held various roles in public service and business. She served as an emergency 9-1-1 dispatcher, which cultivated her commitment to community safety and emergency services. Additionally, she was a sales representative, and her political career began with her tenure on the Pomona City Council from 2000 to 2006. Afterwards, she became the Mayor of Pomona from 2006 to 2008, followed by her time in the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2013 and in the California State Senate from 2013 to 2014.
Since being elected to Congress on January 3, 2015, Torres has actively engaged in various committees and legislative initiatives. She is currently serving on committees that highlight her focus on public safety, infrastructure, and community health. Notably, her sponsorship and co-sponsorship of key bills reflect a commitment to these areas.
Among the significant bills she has co-sponsored is the Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025, which seeks to enhance telehealth services for tribal populations by streamlining regulations under Medicare. This bill can significantly improve access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas, especially for those who have traditionally faced barriers to receiving adequate care.
Another noteworthy initiative is the Air Traffic Controller Protection Act, aimed at ensuring protection for air traffic controllers and preventing arbitrary staffing cuts within the Federal Aviation Administration. This highlights her dedication to maintaining safety and efficiency in air travel, alongside fostering conversations about the operational integrity of essential public services.
Torres's legislative portfolio also includes the 911 SAVES Act, which formally categorizes public safety telecommunicators as protective service occupations. The bill aims to enhance the recognition and support for those who play a crucial role in emergency responses, thereby aligning job classifications with the actual responsibilities of these workers. This legislative move reflects her advocacy for recognizing the vital contributions of professionals in high-stress roles, addressing their mental health needs, and improving the occupational framework for emergency response services.
Torres's political leanings are evident in her legislative focus and actions, centering particularly on social equity, healthcare access, and public safety reforms. The bills she supports often emphasize community welfare and attempt to address systemic inequalities, particularly in healthcare and public service sectors. This positions her as a proponent of enhanced government roles in supporting marginalized communities and ensuring that public safety systems are well-resourced, effective, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
Aside from her political endeavors, Torres resides in California, where she remains actively engaged with her community. Her background as a public servant, combined with experience in local government, positions her as a capable and passionate advocate for her constituents in Congress. As she continues her work, Torres remains committed to improving infrastructure, enhancing healthcare access, and recognizing the critical role of public service professionals across her district and beyond.