Martin Heinrich

Martin Heinrich
Name	Martin Heinrich
Caption	Official portrait, 2013
State	New Mexico
Jr/sr	United States Senator
Alongside	Ben Ray Luján
Term start	January 3, 2013
Predecessor	Jeff Bingaman
State1	New Mexico
District1	1st
Term start1	January 3, 2009
Term end1	January 3, 2013
Predecessor1	Heather Wilson
Successor1	Michelle Lujan Grisham
Office2	Member of the Albuquerque City Council
Term start2	2003
Term end2	2007
Birth name	Martin Trevor Heinrich
Birth date	17 October 1971
Birth place	Fallon, Nevada, U.S.
Party	Democratic
Spouse	Julie Heinrich, 1999
Education	University of Missouri (BS)
Website	heinrich.senate.gov

Martin Heinrich is an American politician serving as the junior United States Senator from New Mexico since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district from 2009 to 2013 and on the Albuquerque City Council. Heinrich is known for his advocacy on environmental policy, renewable energy, and public lands issues, serving on influential committees including the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Appropriations.

Early life and education

Martin Trevor Heinrich was born on October 17, 1971, in Fallon, Nevada, and spent his formative years in Cole Camp, Missouri. His father was a utility lineman and his mother worked as a factory seamstress. Heinrich attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. During his time at university, he was actively involved with the Missouri Students Association and developed an early interest in environmental science and conservation.

Early career

After graduating, Heinrich moved to New Mexico in 1995, initially working as an aerospace engineer. He soon transitioned into the nonprofit sector, serving as the executive director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, a wilderness education organization. His work in conservation led to a role as the state natural resources trustee under Governor Bill Richardson, where he managed environmental restoration projects. In 2003, Heinrich was elected to the Albuquerque City Council, representing the city's northeast district, where he focused on sustainable development and public safety initiatives.

U.S. House of Representatives

Heinrich was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2008, winning the seat in New Mexico's 1st congressional district previously held by Republican Heather Wilson. He served two terms from 2009 to 2013, sitting on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Armed Services Committee. During his tenure, he was a prominent advocate for the Affordable Care Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and legislation to protect the Valles Caldera National Preserve. He also worked on issues related to Los Alamos National Laboratory and Kirtland Air Force Base.

U.S. Senate

In 2012, Heinrich successfully ran for the United States Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Jeff Bingaman, defeating former Representative Heather Wilson in the general election. He was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2024. In the Senate, he holds key assignments on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where he chairs the Subcommittee on National Parks, and the Senate Appropriations Committee. He also serves on the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Rules and Administration. Heinrich played a significant role in passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and has been a leading voice on cybersecurity and technology policy.

Political positions

Heinrich is considered a progressive Democrat with a strong focus on environmental protection and climate change mitigation. He is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal and has introduced legislation to promote clean energy and energy efficiency. On foreign policy, he supports a strong national defense and has been involved in oversight of the CIA and NSA. He advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, LGBT rights, and protecting the Indian Health Service. Heinrich has a mixed record on gun control, supporting expanded background checks but also defending hunting traditions. He voted to convict Donald Trump during both impeachment trials.

Personal life

Heinrich is married to Julie Heinrich, a former lobbyist for Conservation Colorado, and they have two sons. The family resides in Albuquerque. An avid outdoorsman, Heinrich is a dedicated rock climber, hunter, and fly fisher. He serves on the board of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus. His personal interests in wildlife and conservation deeply influence his legislative work on public lands and environmental policy.

Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:United States senators from New Mexico Category:Democratic Party United States senators