Martinez, age 40, advanced from a three-way Democratic primary this year to replace retiring Judge David Canales (D). The San Antonio native received her law degree from the University of Akron in Ohio and then went to work for Bexar County, first as a family law attorney and later as a prosecutor. She’s unopposed on the November ballot.
Hear from the candidate
Please tell voters about yourself.
I was born and raised humbly on San Antonio’s west side and eventually moved to the Southside with my family. As a dedicated member of the legal community, I volunteer my time to inspire young minds through career day presentations at elementary schools and mentor law students. I also work with juvenile probationers at the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those around me.
Describe your educational background.
I am a proud product of the SAISD district. I walked the halls of Margil Elementary, Tafolla Middle School, and graduated from Brackenridge High School. After graduating, I ventured to the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I double majored in History and Mexican American Studies. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be an attorney. I applied to law schools across the country and decided to study at the University of Akron in Ohio with a scholarship. I graduated from Akron Law School with honors.
Upon completing my law school journey, I returned to my beloved San Antonio, Texas to practice law. In November 2011, I officially joined the Texas Bar, ready to contribute my knowledge and passion to the legal field.
Describe your professional experience, what type of law you’ve practiced and noteworthy accomplishments.
For the past decade, I’ve been deeply invested in our community, serving as a prosecutor, litigator, staff attorney for the Civil Courts, and a Magistrate Judge for the City of San Antonio. My dedication has been recognized by my colleagues, who have honored me with the Bexar County District Attorney’s DWI Task Force Award of Appreciation and the San Antonio Black Lawyer’s Association Presidents Award. It’s been a privilege to contribute to the legal landscape and make a positive impact on our community.
Why are you seeking this office, and why did you decide to be a candidate in the political party you chose?
Growing up in a low-income neighborhood on the west side of San Antonio, I felt a disconnect between our community’s struggles and the understanding of our leaders. This experience taught me that service should be offered with an unbiased heart and begins by upholding our shared values of fairness, equality, and respect. With a diverse background in public, private, defense, and plaintiff’s law, I decided to run for the 73rd District Court to contribute to our community.
While I identify with the ideals of the Democratic Party, I believe that our citizens expect and deserve a judge who will be fair and impartial regardless of any political beliefs. I am committed to following and respecting the law.
Read more
Democratic judicial candidates turn their fire on each other
After 2022 sweep, Bexar County Republicans throw in the towel on judicial races
