Jenny Oropeza

Jenny Oropeza is a survivor – just ask Capitol Weekly, the Sacramento newspaper of record on Capitol politics and government. In late 2006, its readership of political insiders – lawmakers, lobbyists, legislative staffers and journalists – named Oropeza “Comeback Player of the Year.” Earlier that year, she won the California Democratic Party endorsement by a single vote. Then, just days before the June primary, the mayor of Los Angeles endorsed her more conservative opponent. But strong name recognition, editorial board endorsements, Latino turnout and support from Secretary of State Debra Bowen, (the popular but termed-out 28th District incumbent), gave Oropeza a 3,300-vote edge to make the November ballot. Once past the primary, she won with a convincing 62 percent of the vote. But none of that was as tough as what she endured most of last session: Debilitating liver cancer requiring months of treatment, rehabilitation and painful recovery. She beat the disease, turning a challenge into an asset by successfully pushing bills fighting cancer and protecting the environment, including her anti-smoking measure signed by California’s cigar-chomping Governor.