Jill Martinez

Jill Martinez is a former Democratic candidate in the 2008 congressional elections for the 24th Congressional District (map) of California. She was seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) but lost to Marta Ann Jorgensen in the June 2008 primaries.

Iraq and national security
Martinez is running on a platform to "end The Occupation In Iraq" and to "Bring the Troops home, reallocate these funds for Domestic Use, ensure Medical Support for returning Troops [and] increase Diplomatic Efforts in the region."

Health Care
Martinez is running on a platform supporting "universal health care" and to "Define Best-Practices with Medical Professionals and Employers, Ensure Broad-Based Political Coalitions of Support [and] Mandate and Ensure Funding for Healthcare for Children."

Economy
Martinez is running on a platform to "Establish A Sustainable Economy" and "Make Higher Education Accessible and Affordable, Promote Small Business Development, [and] Support Green Building-Promote the 2030 Challange."

Energy and environment
Martinez is running on a platform to "Support Renewable Energy Sources" and "Fund Research and Development, Provide Tax Incentives for Installing New Technologies [and] Prioritize the use of Renewable Energy Sources in Transport- ation, Home and Corporate Utilites and Products Production."

Bio
Martinez was raised on the Central Coast of California. A Presbyterian minister, Martinez has worked for the Ventura County Area Housing Authority and taught professional ethics at California State University, Stanislaus and was co-host of the bi-lingual television program, "La Voz de la Raza" for ABC's Stockton, CA affiliate. In Stockton, she also worked as a City Civil Service Commissioner and a Police Chaplain.

2006 elections
In 2006, Martinez ran uncontested as a Democrat facing Elton Gallegly in his November 2006 bid for reelection. Martinez received 38% of the vote. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)

2008 elections
was seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) but lost to Marta Ann Jorgensen in the June 2008 primaries.

Endorsements

 * In April 2008, fellow 24th district Democratic candidate Marta Jorgensen endorsed Martinez when she withdrew from the race. However, Jorgensen withdrew her endorsement on May 20, 2008


 * See also the list of 2008 endorsements at the Martinez for Congress website.

Money in politics
Current Federal Election Committee information provides Martinez's campaign finances with respect to other candidates running in the district.

Committees
Martinez will be assigned committees if and when she is elected to Congress.

Affiliations
Martinez has been affiliated with the Ventura County Area Housing Authority, California State University, Stanislaus, and "La Voz de la Raza" ABC's Stockton, CA affiliate.

Related SourceWatch articles

 * 2008 U.S. congressional elections
 * 2008 U.S. congressional election dates
 * Portal:California and the U.S. Congress

External resources
Elections Information:
 * Martinez's FEC filings
 * 2008 Race Tracker page on California's 24th Congressional District
 * Official Jill Martinez for Congress website
 *