Mel Martínez
| Name | Melquíades Rafael "Mel" Martínez |
| Birth name | |
| Birth date | October 23, 1946 |
| Birth place | Sagua La Grande, Cuba |
| Death date | |
| Death place | |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Politician, Lawyer |
| Years active | |
| Organization | |
| Known for | Former United States Senator, Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development |
| Notable works | |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Website | |
Melquíades Rafael "Mel" Martínez (born October 23, 1946) is a Cuban-American politician and lawyer who served as a United States Senator from Florida from 2005 to 2009. He was also the 12th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2003. Martínez was the first Cuban-American to serve in the United States Senate.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Mel Martínez was born in Sagua La Grande, Cuba. In 1962, at the age of 15, he immigrated to the United States as part of Operation Peter Pan, a program that brought Cuban children to the U.S. to escape the communist regime of Fidel Castro.
Martínez settled in Orlando, Florida, where he lived with foster families until he was reunited with his family. He attended Bishop Moore High School in Orlando. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University in 1969 and a Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law in 1973.
Legal Career[edit | edit source]
After completing his education, Martínez began his legal career in Orlando, where he practiced law for 25 years. He became a partner at the law firm of Wooten, Honeywell, Kest, and Martínez, P.A. His legal practice focused on civil litigation, and he was involved in various community organizations.
Political Career[edit | edit source]
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development[edit | edit source]
In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Martínez as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). During his tenure, Martínez focused on increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities, and addressing issues related to affordable housing.
United States Senate[edit | edit source]
In 2004, Martínez ran for the United States Senate from Florida. He won the Republican primary and went on to defeat Democratic candidate Betty Castor in the general election. Martínez served as a U.S. Senator from 2005 to 2009. During his time in the Senate, he was a member of several committees, including the Armed Services Committee and the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.
Martínez was known for his work on immigration reform and his efforts to improve U.S.-Cuba relations. He was also involved in issues related to national security and veterans' affairs.
Resignation and Later Career[edit | edit source]
In 2009, Martínez announced his resignation from the Senate, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. After leaving the Senate, he joined JPMorgan Chase as a senior executive.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Mel Martínez is married to Kitty Martínez, and they have three children. He is a practicing Roman Catholic and has been involved in various charitable and community organizations throughout his life.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Martínez's career is notable for his contributions to housing policy and his role as a trailblazer for Cuban-Americans in U.S. politics. His work in the Senate and as HUD Secretary has had a lasting impact on housing and immigration policy.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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