Who we are

At Bautista Zavala Government Relations, we help organizations navigate California’s complex political and policy landscape with strategic advocacy and measurable impact. With over a decade of experience in education, public affairs, and state government, we build bridges through integrity—addressing complex issues and achieving results.

Deborah Bautista Zavala

Principal Lobbyist

Bautista Zavala is the founder and principal lobbyist of Bautista Zavala Government Relations, providing high-impact advocacy and strategic counsel to mission-driven organizations. Committed to advancing the interests of her clients, she is ready to represent your issue—bringing dedication, strategic insight, and integrity to every engagement.

She served nearly a decade as a Capitol Staffer in the California State Assembly, working under Speaker Pro Tem Nora Campos, Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, and now Sacramento City Mayor Kevin McCarty. She also served as Legislative Advocate for the Los Angeles Unified School District during the most challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, advancing key state and federal initiatives impacting over 400,000 students. During her tenure, she shaped legislative priorities in education, housing, labor, and public safety, including historic efforts to expand access to higher education for California’s community college students.

Elected to the Woodland Joint Unified School District Board in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, she currently serves as Board President, representing over 9,500 students. A proud alumna of the HOPE Leadership Institute, she is active in statewide leadership networks, holds governance certification from the California School Boards Association, and has been recognized with multiple awards for her leadership. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Bautista Zavala continues to champion equity-centered policies and inspire civic engagement across California.