People in the news

Mel Martinez

Former U.S. Senator (January 2005-August 2009)

Why He Matters

Martinez came alone to the United States from Cuba at age 15, learned English, earned a law degree, became a senator, and made it all look easy. In August 2009, he resigned from the Senate with another year left in his term; he had previously announced he wouldn't run for re-election in 2010.

When President George W. Bush made him the secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 2001, Martinez was the first Cuban-American ever appointed to any presidnet's Cabinet. In 2004, he became the first Cuban-American elected to the Senate. In those roles, he has pushed for increased home ownership, especially among minorities and the poor, and urged elected officials not to loosen restrictions on the Cuban government. He also was chairman of the Republican National Committee for a short-lived stint during Bush's second term.

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At a Glance

  • Career History: Republican National Committee chairman (January to October 2007); U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary (2001 to 2003);Orange County chairman (1998 to 2001);Practicing attorney (1973 to 1998)
  • Birthday: October 23, 1946
  • Hometown: Sagua La Grande, Cuba
  • Alma Mater: Florida State University, B.A., 1969; J.D., 1973
  • Spouse: Kitty
  • Religion: Catholic
  • DC Office: United States Senate356 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, (202) 224-3041
  • State Offices: 15 East Robinson StreetLandmark Center 1, Ste 475Orlando, Fla. 32801 (407) 254-2573; 2120 Main Street, Ste 200, Fort Myers, Fla. 33901, (239) 332-3898;1650 Prudential Drive, Ste. 220, Jacksonville, Fla. 32207, (904) 398-8586;800 Douglas Road, Ste 148Coral Gables, Fla. 33134 (305) 444-8332;7711 N. Military Trail, Ste 1014 Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 33410, (561) 842-8300;1 N. Palafox St., Ste. 159 Pensacola, Fla. 32502, (850) 433-2603;3802 Spectrum Boulevard, Ste 106, Tampa, Fla. 33612(813) 977-6450
  • Web site
 

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