New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez has dedicated her life to protecting the vulnerable and helping her neighbors. An immigrant who first came to the United States at the age of three, Monica R. Martinez often witnessed her parents sacrifice so much and work hard to give her and her siblings the opportunity to live the American Dream. Her strong family values and foundation have led her to a life of public service.
Inspired by the strong belief that every dream can become a reality if individuals are given the opportunity to thrive through education, Martinez began her career in the classroom, where she used her position as a high school teacher to uplift her students and their futures. Within a few years, Ms. Martinez was selected to lead the administration of Brentwood’s East Middle School as its Assistant Principal. Working with students, parents, and teachers to improve academic opportunities, Assistant Principal Martinez was inspired to transition her advocacy within the school setting to her greater community.
Recognizing the role good government can play in transforming lives, Monica decided to pursue public office in 2013 to serve as a member of the Suffolk County Legislature. During her time in the legislature, Legislator Martinez worked tirelessly to improve the community where she was raised by advancing her constituents’ vision for the future and by championing legislation to support animal rights, working with law enforcement and treatment providers to reduce opioid epidemic deaths, and funding anti-gang and anti-violence programs.
After representing the residents of Suffolk County’s Ninth Legislative District for five years, Monica R. Martinez was elected to the New York State Senate in 2018, making history as the first woman and woman of color to represent the Third Senatorial District, as well as becoming the first Salvadoran woman elected in the state of New York. Now in her third term in Albany, Senator Martinez has focused on protecting Long Island’s working families, improving the communities she represents, and enhancing the welfare of all New Yorkers. Her efforts include safeguarding victims of exploitation, securing record funding for local schools, and protecting Long Island’s environment.
Senator Martinez currently serves as the Chair of the Senate's Committee on Local Government, where she works with the state’s municipalities to advance meaningful legislation that allows them to better meet the needs of their residents. Senator Martinez also serves on the Aging; Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders; Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business; Disabilities; Education; and Transportation standing committees, and is a member of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, Women’s Legislative Caucus, and is Co-Chair of the New York Legislative Aviation Caucus.
Senator Martinez is a proud Brentwood High School alum and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Binghamton University, a master’s degree in secondary education from New York University, and an Educational Leadership certification from Stony Brook University.