A former opposition lawmaker in Venezuela and longtime advocate for democracy, immigrant rights, and Latino political empowerment, Martínez is running to defend the American values that led his family to seek refuge in the United States two decades ago
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA – May 29, 2025 — Venezuelan-American lawyer, academic, and political strategist Leo Martínez has officially launched his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District, pledging to defend American democratic values, uplift working families, and confront the growing threat of authoritarianism in the United States.
In his opening statement, Martínez honored outgoing Congressman Gerry Connolly as a “dedicated public servant whose leadership shaped our community,” and positioned his own candidacy as a continuation of that legacy—focused on democratic integrity, immigrant rights, and economic opportunity.
“Twenty years ago, my family made the difficult decision to flee Venezuela, where I faced imprisonment for opposing an authoritarian regime,” Martínez said. “We chose the United States because it stood as a beacon of democracy, rule of law, and opportunity. Today, I’m running for Congress to ensure those values are preserved and extended to all.”
A former member of Venezuela’s National Assembly and a prominent figure in U.S. Democratic politics, Martínez has built an impressive career across law, academia, public policy, and political activism. A graduate of Harvard University, University of Miami, and a fellow of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, Martínez is widely known for his contributions to Latino political empowerment, immigration advocacy, and progressive economic development.
Martínez settled in McLean, Virginia, where he launched a successful international business and nonprofit ventures focused on democracy and Latino inclusion. He served on Virginia’s Small Business Commission, was a trustee of the University of Mary Washington, and most recently held a senior leadership role at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.
Martínez’s campaign comes at a time of deep political polarization in the country. In his announcement, he warned against “the rise of authoritarian politics led by a president who threatens our democratic institutions, marginalizes communities like mine, and erodes the promise of equal opportunity for all.”
In addition to his public service, Martínez has been a leading voice within the Democratic National Committee, where he served as a Deputy Finance Chair and member of the Hispanic Caucus. He was also a key strategist for Latino Victory Project and contributed to the inclusion of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan refugees in the Democratic Party’s 2020 platform—a policy later adopted by the Biden administration.
He has authored Democracia Económica (1996) and 94 Paradoxes to Consider in the 21st Century (2019), the latter of which received recognition at the Hay Festival in Cartagena.
“I’m running to ensure that families in our community continue to have the same chance my family did 20 years ago,” Martínez emphasized. “As someone who lived through authoritarianism, I know what’s at stake—and I know we must act with courage, clarity, and compassion.”
Martínez joins the race in a district that includes much of Fairfax County. His deep ties to both U.S. and Latin American political landscapes, coupled with a strong advocacy record, position him as a formidable candidate in the upcoming Democratic primary.
To learn more about Leo Martínez’s campaign, visit leomartinezforcongress.com.