National Organization Cites Martinez’s Background and Notable Track Record as a Public Servant as Critical Experience Needed to Help Protect Our Democracy
WASHINGTON, DC — June 17, 2025 — Latino Victory Fund announced its endorsement of Leo Martinez for Congress in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District.
Martinez, a proud immigrant from Venezuela, international lawyer, human rights advocate, and founding chairman of Latino Victory’s Board of Directors, brings lived experience and a clear-eyed understanding of what’s at stake for our country and our community.
“Our nation is under threat. Tens of thousands of federal workers, the backbone and strength of our government, have been illegally fired. The military has been deployed to Los Angeles, and elected officials like Senator Padilla have been attacked and harassed. Leo Martinez represents the kind of leadership we urgently need in Congress,” said Cristóbal Alex, Chairman of Latino Victory Fund. “Virginia’s 11th District is home to thousands of federal employees who are under direct attack from extremist MAGA forces seeking to dismantle the very institutions that serve this country. Leo’s life story, his vast public service experience, and his unwavering defense of democracy uniquely prepare him to meet this moment and defend both the Latino community and the nation as a whole.”
If elected, Martinez would be the first Latino to represent Virginia in Congress, a powerful milestone for the state’s rapidly growing Latino population. With 14% of the district identifying as Latino, his candidacy offers voters an opportunity to elect a representative who not only reflects the district’s diversity but also has personally confronted authoritarianism and understands the consequences of unchecked power.
“We are at an inflection point as a nation,” said Katharine Pichardo, President & CEO of Latino Victory. “The raids in Los Angeles, the militarization of our communities, and the silencing of our Latino leaders are not isolated incidents; they are part of a dangerous authoritarian playbook we’ve seen unfold around the world. Leo Martinez knows this threat because he has lived it. He brings not only the policy expertise but the personal courage that this moment requires. At Latino Victory, we are proud to stand with Leo as he fights for federal workers, immigrant families, small business owners, and the freedoms that define who we are as a country. Representation matters now more than ever, and Leo is ready to lead.”
Leo Martinez also emphasized the importance of this fight: “I’m deeply honored to have the endorsement of Latino Victory. Their work to uplift Latino leaders and defend our democracy is more important than ever. Together, we’re building a campaign focused on expanding opportunity for Virginia families, protecting our rights, and ensuring every voice is heard in our political process. I’m proud to stand with Latino Victory as we fight for a stronger, more inclusive future for VA-11 and beyond.”
Martinez’s top priorities in Congress include defending democracy, protecting immigrant rights, standing with federal workers, and ensuring working families have a voice in Washington.
The firehouse Democratic primary will be held June 28, 2025, with the general election scheduled for September 9, 2025.
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The Latino Victory Fund is a progressive political action committee with the mission of growing Latino political power by increasing Latino representation at every level of government – from the school board to the Senate to the White House.