Monica R. Martinez has devoted her life to public service, rooted in the belief that if individuals are given the opportunity to thrive through education and information, every dream can become a reality. In 2010, after serving as a High School teacher, Martinez was selected to lead the administration of Brentwood’s East Middle School as Assistant Principal, where she dedicated much of her time to enriching the lives of her students.

Martinez's public service career began as a Suffolk County Legislator in 2014. During her five-year tenure, she championed animal rights, recognizing that addressing animal cruelty can help prevent other serious crimes, such as drug rings and domestic violence. She also secured funding for anti-gang programs, addressed environmental injustices in Brentwood and Central Islip, advocated for animal rights and established Suffolk County’s first Child Care Commission. Her commitment to education led her to secure a $125,000 grant for a STEM research program.

In 2018, Martinez was elected to the New York State Senate, where she quickly made her mark by sponsoring 80 bills in her first legislative session, with 19 signed into law. Her legislative work has focused on women’s health, public safety and environmental protection. She played a key role in outlawing the dissemination of intimate images without consent, enhancing background check requirements to improve our gun safety laws and co-sponsoring major environmental legislation.

Elected in 2022 to represent the newly drawn Fourth Senatorial District, Martinez continued her advocacy with a focus on public safety and environmental sustainability. In 2023, she championed the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act to address pollution and protect local water resources. Additionally, Monica introduced legislation to criminalize the threat of disseminating intimate images, building on her prior work to protect victims from online harassment. Throughout her tenure, Senator Martinez has tirelessly fought to ensure that our schools receive full funding and remains deeply connected to the communities she serves.