State Rep. Matthew Martinez says he will seek a third term in 2026. He was first elected in 2022 to represent Colorado House District 62, which includes the six-county SLV and other parts of southern Colorado.
In his time in the statehouse, Martinez has focused on military affairs as a Marine veteran; education as vice chair of House Education Committee; and frequently partners with State Sen. Cleave Simpson on agriculture, water and natural resources issues in looking after the Valley.
“This district is more than just lines drawn on a map, it is a people; a culture and a way of life. It has been an honor to serve Southern Colorado in the state house. Life happens outside of Denver and I want to continue to uplift the people of the district and fight back against harmful policies that affect our way of life,” Martinez said in his re-election pitch.
Martinez sits on the House Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee and the Legislative Council Committee. Martinez was appointed as vice chair of the House Education Committee. In 2024, Martinez was elected as the majority caucus co-whip. He is also on the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus.
Martinez is a San Luis Valley native and United States Marine Corps veteran. House District 62 covers the entire six-county San Luis Valley, Huerfano County, and much of Pueblo County.
Martinez’s legislation has been proactively bipartisan. “We have more in common than what we don’t,” he said in a 2024 interview with Alamosa Citizen. He often works across the aisle with Simpson.
Seven bills in the 2025 legislative session were primarily sponsored by Martinez. Throughout the three regular sessions and two special sessions, Martinez has put his name on 376 bills. Of the 50 bills that he has been the prime sponsor, 41 have passed.
“I am proud of the 41 bills that I have passed that directly impact Southern Colorado. From protecting our rural health care providers, to cutting red tape for our veterans entering the job force and protecting the land, water and people in the Sangre de Cristo land grant area, I have rolled up my sleeves and got to work for the people of Southern Colorado. The work is far from over, and the San Luis Valley, Huerfano and Pueblo still need a strong voice in Denver. I will continue to be your champion, your fighter and above all else your voice in Denver,” he said.