About Martin
Shortly after taking office in January 2009, Representative Martin Heinrich was elected to serve as Class President of the 111th Congress’ 34-member Democratic Freshman Class and as western Regional Whip for Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
A leader from the start, Martin was appointed to serve on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Natural Resources – positions that are both personally meaningful to Martin and critical to New Mexico’s First District. Military families face unique challenges, and Martin is steadfast in his commitment to providing the best health care, education and employment opportunities to service men and women and their families. In fact, the first bill Martin wrote and introduced was legislation that makes it easier for retiring service members to register with the Veterans’ Administration. And in March 2010, he introduced legislation to allow military families to extend TRICARE health benefits to dependent children through age 26.
A mechanical engineer by training, Martin is a lifelong advocate for technology, innovation and clean energy. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Science and Engineering at the University of Missouri, he and his wife Julie moved to Albuquerque and began his career working on Kirtland Air Force Base. Martin worked as the Executive Director for the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing young people with natural science and environmental education experiences and also served as the Natural Resources Trustee for the State of New Mexico. When asked about his two young sons, Carter and Micah, Martin will proudly explain that the boys have been hiking and camping in New Mexico since “before they could walk.” Martin strives to meet the varied needs of constituents in the First District. Whether attending rural economic development forums, hosting job fairs in Albuquerque’s South Valley, or working with Tribal Governments to improve health care access and housing in Indian Country – Martin believes in representing everyone in the district. And he’s always willing to hear new ideas, even when they differ from his own.
It’s clear that Martin is a different type of leader – hard working, strong, clear, principled and articulate. Coming from humble beginnings, he grew up understanding the value of hard work and determination. Both he and Julie have dedicated their lives to public service. Prior to being elected to Congress, Martin served on the Albuquerque City Council for four years, including a term as City Council President. During his time on the Council, Martin spearheaded measures to crack down on crime, raise the minimum wage and increase economic development opportunities in Albuquerque. Julie is equally active in the community, having worked for both city government and the Mid Region Council of Governments.
The Heinrich’s live near Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. Carter starts second grade in the fall, and Micah is in pre-school. When the boys aren’t occupied with science experiments in the back yard, they may turn up to help Dad campaign.