Javier Martínez is an American attorney, activist, and politician who is the current Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives since 2023. A Democrat, he represents the 11th district, which includes Bernalillo County, New Mexico and the city of Albuquerque[1]
Javier Martínez | |
|---|---|
| 31st Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 17, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Brian Egolf |
| Majority Leader of the New Mexico House of Representatives | |
| In office August 10, 2021 – January 17, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Doreen Gallegos (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Gail Chasey |
| Member of the New Mexico House of Representatives from the 11th district | |
| Assumed office January 20, 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Rick Miera |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of New Mexico (BA, JD) |
Early life and education
editMartínez was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[2] The son of immigrants, Martínez became the first in his family to attend college.[2] He earned a bachelor's degree and Juris Doctor in international and comparative law from the University of New Mexico.[3]
Career
editAfter graduating from law school, Martínez worked as a community organizer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Martínez works as a policy director and general counsel at the Partnership for Community Action in South Valley, New Mexico, and previously worked as a public health advocate at the University of Michigan.[2] Martínez was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in 2014 and took office on January 20, 2015, succeeding Democratic incumbent Rick Miera.[4]
On August 10, 2021, Martínez was selected to succeed Sheryl Williams Stapleton as majority leader of the House.[5]
In December 2022, a suspect shot at Martínez's home. No injuries were reported. Solomon Peña, an unsuccessful Republican candidate for state representative, was later arrested in connection with the shooting, along with several other shootings that targeted Democratic politicians in Albuquerque.[6]
References
edit- ^ "Representative Javier Martínez - (D) - Majority Floor Leader". New Mexico Legislature. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
- ^ a b c "ABOUT JAVIER". Javier Martínez for New Mexico. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
- ^ "Javier Martínez's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ "New Mexico House of Representatives District 11". Ballotpedia. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
- ^ "House Democrats pick Javier Martinez as new majority leader". KRQE NEWS 13. August 11, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2021.
- ^ Yamat, Rio (January 17, 2023). "Ex-GOP candidate arrested in shootings at lawmakers' homes". AP News. Retrieved January 17, 2023.