Ashanti Martínez

Ashanti Martínez is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 22 in Prince George's County. A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed to his position in 2023 to fill a vacancy left by the previous delegate. Martínez is notable for being the first Latino to represent District 22 and the first openly gay individual to serve in the Maryland General Assembly from Prince George's County.

Early life and career

Ashanti Martínez was born on April 25, 1996, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in a working-class family, which shaped his perspective on the importance of public service and community engagement. His educational journey began at Parkdale High School, where he likely developed an interest in civic affairs and leadership. Following high school, Martínez pursued higher education at Howard University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2018. This academic background provided him with a foundation in the principles of governance and public policy.

Martínez's political involvement began at a young age. He joined the Prince George's County Young Democrats at the age of 14, marking the start of his commitment to political activism. In 2016, he worked on the congressional campaign of state delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, gaining practical experience in the political arena. After completing his degree, he served as the director of constituent services for Prince George's County councilmember Tom Dernoga, where he honed his skills in addressing community concerns and facilitating communication between constituents and government officials.

In addition to his role in constituent services, Martínez worked as a research and policy analyst for CASA de Maryland, an organization focused on immigrant rights and community empowerment. His early career also included internships with U.S. Representatives Elijah Cummings and Steny Hoyer, as well as serving as an aide to the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus. These experiences provided him with a diverse understanding of the legislative process and the challenges facing various communities.

Martínez first sought election to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2017, announcing his candidacy for District 22. However, he was not successful in the Democratic primary, finishing fifth in a competitive field. Undeterred, he continued to engage in local politics and community service. In 2021, he announced another candidacy for the same seat, challenging incumbent Anne Healey. His campaign focused on several key issues, including education, transportation, health care, and criminal justice reform. Despite receiving endorsements from organizations such as Pro-Choice Maryland Action and CASA de Maryland, he again faced defeat in the primary, finishing fourth.

Following this setback, Martínez took on the role of chief of staff for Prince George's County councilmember Krystal Oriadha, where he continued to influence local policy and support community initiatives.

Legislative service

In early 2023, Martínez filed to run for the nomination to fill the vacancy in District 22 of the Maryland House of Delegates, which arose after Alonzo T. Washington was appointed to the Maryland Senate. He was the sole applicant for the position and was nominated by the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee in February. Martínez officially took office on February 24, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Martínez serves on the House Health and Government Operations Committee, where he contributes to discussions and decisions regarding health policy and government operations. His appointment to the legislature is historically significant, as he is the first Latino to represent District 22 and the first openly gay person to serve from Prince George's County in the Maryland General Assembly.

In December 2025, House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk appointed Martínez as the House majority whip, a leadership position that involves coordinating legislative strategy and ensuring party discipline among members. This role further solidifies his influence within the Maryland General Assembly and reflects his growing prominence in state politics.

Policy focus and district

Martínez's policy priorities encompass a range of social, economic, and environmental issues. He has demonstrated a commitment to advancing progressive policies in Maryland. In May 2022, he signed a resolution advocating for Maryland to transition to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035, reflecting his focus on environmental sustainability. He has also been vocal about gun control, participating in rallies against gun violence and advocating for measures to address this pressing issue.

Health care is another area of focus for Martínez, who supports universal health care access for all Maryland residents. His advocacy extends to immigration reform, where he has backed legislation to prevent counties from entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that could lead to the deportation of undocumented individuals.

Martínez has also engaged in discussions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, attending rallies to support resolutions calling for a ceasefire and opposing actions that he views as detrimental to peace efforts. His involvement in national politics includes support for significant legislative initiatives, such as the Build Back Better Act.

Social issues are a cornerstone of Martínez's legislative agenda. He has actively supported measures aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ rights, including advocating for the Trans Health Equity Act, which seeks to ensure that gender-affirming treatments are covered by the state's Medicaid program. He has also introduced legislation to modernize birth certificate options for non-binary individuals.

Transportation issues are also on his radar, as evidenced by his opposition to a proposed Maglev train project that he argued would displace residents and disrupt communities. Additionally, he has proposed a tax on large social media companies to fund children's mental health programs in Maryland, highlighting his commitment to addressing mental health challenges faced by young people.

Martínez resides in New Carrollton, Maryland, where he continues to engage with his constituents and advocate for policies that reflect their needs and aspirations. His journey from a young political activist to a state legislator illustrates his dedication to public service and his commitment to representing the diverse voices of his district.