Candidate Answers to JOLDC: Patrick Martinez for NY Assembly District 30
Candidate Name: Patrick Martinez
Office Seeking Election for: NY Assembly District 30
Campaign Website: https://www.martinezforqueens.com/
1. Based upon your life experiences and accomplishments, why do you believe you are best qualified to represent your district?
I am running for State Assembly because I was raised in this district, have worked to advocate for this district, and am continuing to lay roots for the next generation in this district. I’ve served on Queens Community Board 2 for the last 5 years - focused on Land Use but also working for safer streets, greenspace, and cultural events across other committees. I’ve been involved with local democratic politics, serving as District Leader and working closely with current Assemblymember Steven Raga. I bring both policy knowledge and on-the-ground organizing experience necessary to deliver real change in Albany, and will make sure all members of our extraordinarily diverse district are seen, celebrated, and get the services they need from government.
2. What LGBTQ+ organizations have you been involved with, either on a volunteer basis or professionally?
I have never been involved, either on a volunteer basis or professionally, with an LGBTQ+ organization before. With that, my campaign is actively engaging LGBTQ+ leaders, clubs, and advocacy organizations to ensure our platform reflects the community's needs.
3. What press conferences, demonstrations, rallies, and protests in support of LGBTQ+ issues, pro-choice legislation, racial justice, and criminal justice have you attended, including rallies specifically against Donald Trump and his policies?
I have recently participated in memorials for Win Rozario demanding Justice. Specifically Donald Trump I’ve attended the No Kings protests over the past 2 year.
4. In light of the Trump Administration’s war on women, the LGBTQ+ community, minorities, and immigrants, what are your plans to organize and combat the Trump agenda?
We must build durable infrastructure that protects our communities, regardless of who is in power at the federal level. I will work to strengthen New York’s role as a firewall, passing stronger sanctuary protections, codifying reproductive rights, expanding protections for transgender New Yorkers, and ensuring that state resources are never used to assist federal overreach. Passing New York For All is imperative. I will also partner with local organizations to mobilize rapid-response efforts and civic engagement to counter harmful federal policies, as well as champion these communities both at home and in Albany.
5. Will you seek or accept endorsements from individuals who oppose LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights?
No.
6. Do you support the unrestricted right to reproductive care and abortion?
Yes. I support full access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, without restriction.
7. Have you hosted, funded, or otherwise supported Drag Story Hours in your community?
I support Drag Story Hours and the broader visibility of LGBTQ+ expression in the community. As an elected official, I would actively defend and uplift these programs as essential to inclusive communities.
8. How will you work to enhance protections for immigrants and uphold New York’s role as a “Sanctuary City”?
I will fight to strengthen sanctuary protections, ensure access to legal services, expand language access, and invest in community-based organizations that support immigrant families. I support closing loopholes that allow cooperation with ICE and ensuring all New Yorkers, regardless of status, can access housing, healthcare, and education safely.
9. Do you support New York becoming a Transgender Sanctuary State?
Yes.
10. If elected, will you commit to supporting legislation that raises taxes on the richest New Yorkers and large corporations in order to fund the services and investments our communities need?
Yes. We must ensure the wealthiest pay their fair share to fund housing, education, healthcare, and social services.
11. How will you represent the most vulnerable, including individuals experiencing homelessness and asylum seekers? Have you ever opposed any shelter in your district?
I will lead with compassion and evidence-based policy, expanding supportive housing, mental health services, and long-term solutions. I have not opposed shelters; I believe every community must be part of the solution.
12. Will you sponsor and support legislation that will ensure that state and local resources are not used to facilitate or cooperate with federal immigration enforcement (New York for All Act) to prevent the funneling of people into ICE custody, and the sharing of sensitive information with ICE?
Yes.
13. To advance safety and justice, New York must address its archaic sentencing and parole laws. Do you support the following key legislation: 1) Second Look Act (S.158/A.1283), which would allow judges to review and reconsider excessive sentences by considering if incarcerated people have transformed while incarcerated or based on changes in law and norms; 2) Earned Time Act (S.342/A.1085), which would strengthen and expand “good time” and “merit time” programs in prison that encourage personal transformation and reunite families?3) Marvin Mayfield Act (S.1209/A.1297), which would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences, thereby allowing judges to consider individual factors in a case?; 4) Elder Parole (S.454/A.514), which would allow incarcerated people over age 55 who have served 15 years the opportunity to go before the parole board.
Yes to all. These reforms are critical to building a more just and humane criminal legal system.
14. Do you oppose the death penalty?
Yes.
15. Do you support outlawing solitary confinement?.
Yes.
16. Do you commit to visiting incarcerated constituents? Will you work to secure the release of individuals who have demonstrated sincere remorse, worked toward rehabilitation, and are not deemed a threat to society?
Yes.
17. Do you commit to making applications for clemencies available to your constituency, including a link to an application in a constituent newsletter? Will you submit it to our club?
Yes.
18. Did you rank Andrew Cuomo on your Democratic primary ballot in 2025? Who did you support for mayor in the 2025 Democratic primary and general election?
I did not rank Andrew Cuomo. I supported Brad Lander and Adrienne Adams in the Democratic primary, and Zohran Mamdani in the general election.
19. In view of the fact that Ed Koch has been documented to have caused the deaths of scores of people with AIDS, excused city council members who voted against the gay rights bill and were blatantly racist, would you support and sponsor a bill to rename the former Queensboro Bridge?
Yes.
20. Do you support naming the soon-to-be-reconstructed 42nd Street bus terminal the Bella Abzug Port Authority?
Yes.
21. What is your legislative remedy to secure the building of low and moderate-income housing around the state?
I support comprehensive housing reform, including stronger tenant protections, good-cause eviction, significant public investment in affordable housing, upzoning near transit with affordability mandates, and ending tax abatements that fail to deliver truly affordable units. We need to expand deeply affordable housing options where possible.
22. Will you refuse donations from AIPAC, SolidarityPAC, police and corrections associations, the fossil fuel industry, and the charter school industry?
Yes.
23. Do you support removing criminal penalties for consensual commercial sex work between adults? Also known as Cecilia's Act for Rights in the Sex Trades (S2513 Salazar / A3251 Forrest).
Yes, sex work is work and I support removing criminal penalties for consensual commercial sex work between adults. With that, we cannot leave out the voices of the communities and communities in neighborhoods with high-levels of sex work. We need to create and pass legislation that serves both these groups and helps create safer communities for all.
24. There is an effort to have mandatory inclusion of the New York State proposal that would require public schools to teach about the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, commonly described in the bill text as an “insurrection.” Do you support this proposal?
Yes.
25. What additional information would you like the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club to consider when we are making our endorsement decision?
This campaign is rooted in coalition-building and accountability. I am committed to being an accessible, transparent representative who works closely with LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations, such as JOLDC, to advance a bold, progressive agenda.
26. If you receive our endorsement, do you agree to identify the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club on all appropriate literature and electronic materials?
Yes.