In this in-depth conversation, congressional candidate Leo Martínez reflects on his journey from resisting authoritarianism in Venezuela to building a new life in the United States—and now running for Congress in Virginia’s 11th District
Since announcing his candidacy for the Democratic primary in Virginia’s 11th District, Leo Martinez has been steadily gaining key endorsements. Among the most notable is the recent support from Latino Victory.
On the same day this endorsement was made public, Adelys Ferro, director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, interviewed Martinez to explore the background and motivations of this Venezuelan American candidate—who is driven to defend the American values that welcomed him and his family after they fled authoritarianism during his time as a Congressman in Venezuela. We are sharing here a summary of the conversation.
“I Come From the Future”: A Life Shaped by Resistance
Adelys Ferro (AF): Leo, congratulations on the endorsement from Latino Victory. Let’s start with something personal: how did your experience in Venezuela shape your political journey in the United States?
Leo Martínez (LM): Thank you, Adelys. That question goes straight to the heart of why I’m running. I was already active in Venezuela’s democratic movement before coming here—as a lawyer, professor, and congressman. I believed in change through democratic institutions. But Hugo Chávez chose an authoritarian path, and I became a vocal opponent of both him and Maduro. That came with serious risks—not just for me, but for my family.
We had to flee. We came to the U.S. with four kids, unsure how long we’d stay. But I saw three qualities here that resonated: the U.S. welcomes immigrants, it rewards hard work, and it defends democracy. That vision still drives me today.
Building Community and Taking the Next Step
AF: Since arriving, you never stopped working for democracy. What kept you going?
LM: I helped launch the Center for Democracy and Development in the Americas, supporting civil society across the region. I also built a consulting business focused on immigrant entrepreneurship. Those efforts connected democracy, opportunity, and representation—and now, it’s time to take that to Congress.
After 20 years here—16 of them in Fairfax County—I became a citizen because I believe in this country’s values. But those values are under threat. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore.
Latino Voices at the Center
AF: Now you’re running to represent Virginia’s 11th District. What’s your plan to engage Latino communities?
LM: I live this experience—as a Latino, as an immigrant. That gives me deep empathy and understanding.
Engagement starts with listening. It means being present in churches, small businesses, homes. It means fighting for what matters: housing, healthcare, education, small business support, and democracy. It also means lifting up Latino youth and voices.
We are a vital part of the 11th District. And I want every Latino voter to know: your story matters. Your future matters.
Fighting for Democracy, Civil Rights, and the Rule of Law
AF: You’ve been vocal about threats to democracy. What will you do in Congress?
LM: First, we must protect voting rights. Republicans are pushing voter suppression through gerrymandering and restrictive laws—it mirrors what many of us saw in authoritarian regimes.
Second, we must defend civil rights. That means due process for everyone, especially immigrants and communities of color. It also means standing up against intimidation and policies that target vulnerable families.
This nation was built by immigrants. Our diversity is our superpower. I’ll carry that truth to Congress every day.
Why This Election Matters Now
AF: Why is this special election so critical?
LM: After Congressman Connolly’s passing, Governor Youngkin scheduled a firehouse primary with little time to prepare. That wasn’t a coincidence.
The primary is June 28. The special election is September 9. Republicans are already spending big to flip this seat.
And they’ve shown what they’ll do if they succeed. One vote after Connolly’s death passed a budget with a remittance tax—3% to 7% on money sent abroad. That hurts immigrant families in Fairfax.
We can’t let that stand. We need support—donations, volunteers, energy. Every bit counts.
Defending Federal Workers and the Services They Provide
AF: What are your priorities for federal workers and veterans?
LM: I’ve spoken with workers who were fired, then reinstated, only to be sidelined. Many of them live in Fairfax, VA. This is part of a bigger plan to dismantle government from the inside.
Federal employees are essential. They uphold the law across administrations. But Trump wants to defund them, take away union protections, and drive them out.
In Congress, I’ll fight for their rights—and for the public they serve. Cuts to the Department of Education, for example, hurt kids with special needs in our public schools. These attacks impact all of us.
The Immigrant Experience, and the Red Line in 2024
AF: Any final thoughts?
LM: Immigrant families work hard to build a better future. But today, they live in fear—of deportation, of discrimination, of losing due process.
When I knock on doors and say, “I come from the future,” people ask what I mean. I mean I’ve seen this before—in Venezuela. When democracy unravels, it happens fast. And by the time most people notice, it’s too late.
This election is different. Trump is coming back with a plan and a court that supports him. If we don’t act now, we risk everything—especially our democracy.
That’s why this race matters. That’s why we all must vote.
So to anyone reading: Join us. Donate, volunteer, and speak out. Our future is still ours to shape—but only if we fight for it.
Let’s go vote. Let’s go win.