Patrick Martinez

Patrick Martinez graduated from Stuyvesant High School. Martinez earned a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College in 2009 and a graduate degree from Baruch College in 2020. Martinez's career experience includes working as a marketing director.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised right here in Elmhurst, attending our local public schools before heading to Stuyvesant High School. Growing up in the post-9/11 era, I felt a deep pull toward international affairs and languages. This led me to Middlebury College, where I majored in Latin American Studies, studied in Buenos Aires, and taught English in Costa Rica while embracing a lifestyle rooted in sustainability.

After graduation, I moved to Incheon, Korea, to teach elementary school. Living there, I became fascinated by the modern, high-density urbanism of cities like Seoul and Singapore. I saw firsthand how efficient infrastructure could transform daily life and began dreaming of how to apply those lessons to New York. Before coming home, I spent three months backpacking through China and Southeast Asia, broadening my perspective even further.

Back in New York, I dove into the tech startup world, eventually working with "Coalition for Queens" to focus on tech training and job placement for underrepresented groups.

Five years ago, I moved back to Woodside and committed myself to local service. I joined Queens Community Board 2 in 2022 and currently serve as a Democratic District Leader for AD 30. In these roles, I’ve worked closely with Assembly Member Steven Raga and helped build the Queens Forward Democratic Club. On the Board, I focus on Land Use and the OneLIC task force, fighting for a future for Queens that is inclusive, sustainable, and bold.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My candidacy is rooted in a deep commitment to the community where I live and serve. I've spent years serving on the local community board fighting for deeply affordable housing, increased tree canopies, and safer streets to ensure our neighborhoods continue to get the resources they deserve and can continue to be an amazing place that everyone, especially our immigrant and LGBTQIA+ neighbors, can call home. My experience in local government and community engagement, as well as my background working in start-ups and being raised in an immigrant household give me the unique background to be a driving force for bringing much needed change and critical resources to our community.Our district is in an affordability crisis, and my priority is protecting tenants and homeowners alike by advocating for sensible housing policies that increase supply without sacrificing the character of our neighborhoods. I've done this working on Land Use issues on Queens Community Board 2, and will continue to do so when in Albany. Protecting Mitchell-Lama affordability is a top priority so that it can continue to be an anchor of stability in our neighborhood. I support expanding property tax relief and ensuring that new developments include deeply affordable units. We must make New York a place where families can afford to stay for generations and relieving people of this crushing cost will allow us as a community to thrive.To keep our community strong, we must invest in the foundations of our daily lives: our schools, our transit, and our sewers. I am committed to fighting for full funding for our public schools, expanding after-school programs, and supporting our educators. Additionally, our district relies heavily on reliable public transit and safe infrastructure. I will advocate for accelerated subway and bus improvements and smarter investments in our local roads and bridges. Lastly, flooding is a major issue in portions of our district, and resiliency against climate change is an absolute priority. By focusing on these essential services, we can improve the quality of life for every resident in Maspeth, Woodside, and across the 30th District.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordability is our district’s defining issue. Rising rents are displacing long-time neighbors, and I will fight for stronger tenant protections and housing policies that stabilize our community.

Workers’ rights are equally vital. Our working-class families deserve stable, well-paying jobs. I am committed to strengthening labor protections, supporting union growth, and ensuring economic development prioritizes people over corporations.

Finally, public safety and quality of life cannot be overlooked. Everyone deserves safe streets, reliable transit, and clean neighborhoods. I will advocate for community-based solutions and effective public resource allocation to ensure our city services actually meet local needs.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

32BJ SEIU, New York City District Council of Carpenters (NYCDCC), Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC), Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC, with many more in the works.