About Martin

Senator Martin Heinrich: A Voice for New Mexico

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012, Martin Heinrich has made significant strides to lower the cost of prescription drugs, expand access to veterans’ health care, protect women’s reproductive freedom, and keep our communities safe from gun violence.

As the chair of the Joint Economic Committee and a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Martin is a leading voice on job creation and climate change solutions. He knows that renewable energy isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for the economy and because of his efforts, New Mexico is becoming the epicenter of the clean energy industry. An avid outdoorsman, he’s worked tirelessly to protect our public lands for future generations.

Martin also serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he fights to secure funding for New Mexico. His top priorities include delivering critical investments in nutrition programs for New Mexico’s most vulnerable and keeping New Mexico’s military bases and national laboratories at the forefront of our nation’s advancements in space, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. In his role on the Senate Intelligence Committee, he works to protect our national security and investigate threats to American democracy.

The Foundation of Martin’s Values

Martin's Parents, Pete & Shirley

Although neither of his parents earned a college degree, they taught Martin the value of hard work and playing by the rules.

Martin’s upbringing shaped his work ethic and values. His father, Pete, immigrated to America in the 1930s and later served in the Navy during WWII. Afterward, Pete became a lineman with IBEW. Martin’s mother, Shirley, is the daughter of Idaho homesteaders who worked in a factory without union benefits. 

At home, Martin saw the power of organizing up close, and it has made him a strong ally for labor and workers.

A Career Built on Education and Innovation

In college, Martin learned about the power of renewable energy

Martin earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he worked various jobs to support himself.

It was here that Martin’s passion for clean energy began. He helped design and build a carbon-fiber, solar-powered car called the “Sun Tiger” that they raced across the United States. It was an early step toward his future leadership in energy innovation.

College is also where he met Julie Hicks. They connected instantly over their shared love of adventure, travel, and the outdoors. They got married in 1998 and settled in Albuquerque. 

He started his career at Phillips Labs (now the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base), where he worked on directed energy technologies—a field he continues to champion. He would go on to work as an AmeriCorps fellow before becoming the executive director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, a nonprofit focused on educating young people about science, natural history, and the environment.

A Leader Committed to Community and Service

Martin has never been afraid to get his hands dirty

Martin’s journey in public service began with his election to the Albuquerque City Council in 2003. During his tenure they successfully tackled issues ranging from water conservation to urban redevelopment. As City Council president, he built a reputation as a level-headed leader willing to work across the aisle to get things done. He remains proud of his efforts to raise Albuquerque’s minimum wage, address crime through community policing, and craft green building codes.

In recognition of his strong record of achievement on environmental issues, Martin was appointed as the Natural Resources Trustee for the state of New Mexico. His experience in state leadership, coupled with concerns about the direction of the country during the Iraq War, motivated him to run for Congress. In 2008, he was elected to the House of Representatives in a seat that had never before elected a Democrat.  

In Congress, Martin earned a reputation as a hard worker who stood by the courage of his convictions, regardless of the political cost. When others ran from their vote on the Affordable Care Act, Martin campaigned on it, winning a second term in a year when many Democrats lost their seats.

As a public servant, Martin never cared about checking boxes or scoring points. His priority has always been representing the interests of New Mexico. So when legendary New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman announced his retirement in 2011, Martin saw an opportunity to help New Mexicans in every corner of the state.

Since being elected to the United States Senate in 2012, Martin has been a leading voice on issues ranging from energy and public lands to immigration and civil liberties.