Heinrich, Martin

Heinrich, Martin (1971-…), became a member of the United States Senate in 2013. Heinrich, a Democrat, represents New Mexico. Prior to his election as senator, Heinrich had served in the U.S. House of Representatives and on the City Council of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Martin Heinrich
Martin Heinrich

Martin Trevor Heinrich was born in Fallon, Nevada, on Oct. 17, 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1995. Following graduation, he moved to New Mexico and worked as a researcher at Kirtland Air Force Base. He later directed a nonprofit organization educating young people on environmental issues. In 2001 and 2002, Heinrich attended graduate courses at the University of New Mexico.

In 2003, Heinrich won a seat on the Albuquerque City Council. He served as the council’s president in 2005 and 2006. In February 2006, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson named Heinrich the state’s natural resources trustee. Heinrich won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, becoming the first Democrat to represent his district for 40 years. He was reelected in 2010. In the House, Heinrich supported renewable energy projects and the expansion of access to affordable health care. He also served on the House Armed Services Committee.

In 2012, Heinrich defeated his Republican opponent, former U.S. Representative Heather Wilson, in a race for a New Mexico U.S. Senate seat. Heinrich was reelected to the Senate in 2018.