Heritage Foundation Leadership for America

Israel Ortega is a Senior Media Associate at The Heritage Foundation and is chief spokesperson for all Spanish media, including print, radio and television. 

Ortega often writes about Heritage's position on education, limited government, free enterprise and family for Spanish newspapers and publications across the country.  His essays have appeared in numerous newspapers in several states, including: Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia and New Jersey. 

Ortega is a regular contributor to Hola Kentucky, Prensa Carolinas and El Diario La Prensa - the most widely read Spanish newspaper in the country with a readership of close to 2 million print and online readers. Additionally, Ortega has appeared in Univision, Telemundo and the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network to articulate Heritage's position on current policy matters.

Before joining Heritage in January 2007, Ortega served as the Director of Outreach for the House Republican Conference.  In this role, he served as the chief liaison between Hispanic and minority coalition and media outlets for the Republicans in the House of Representatives.  Previously, Ortega served as the Legislative Assistant for Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), advising the congresswoman on issues concerning, transportation, immigration and education.

Ortega received bachelor's degree in government from Hamilton College in 2002.