Antonio is a lifelong San Diego, District 8 resident. Growing up in a working-class, immigrant community, Antonio learned the values of hard work and education. Antonio attended local public schools and earned a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with honors with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. After college, Antonio returned home to give back to his community and help those in need. Antonio served as a Director for the Nestor Community Clinic for over 10 years, connecting families to affordable, quality healthcare. Currently, Antonio represents South Bay communities as a Community Representative for the Office of Congressman Juan Vargas. Antonio also serves as the President of the San Ysidro School District and remains active in his community. He has served as a member of the San Ysidro Planning Group and the San Ysidro Recreation Council. He volunteers regularly in the community with social service providers, such as Hearts and Hands Working Together.
City of San DiegoCandidate for City Council, District 8

Antonio Martinez
My Top 3 Priorities
- Address homelessness by bringing stability to the housing market and protecting our most vulnerable residents who live on fixed incomes.
- Ensure our community receives its fair share of resources for job creation, street repair, and public safety.
- Invest in a better future for our kids by offering quality after-school programs, funding targeted at-risk student populations and establishing partnerships with local school districts.
Experience
Biography
Who supports this candidate?
Featured Endorsements
- Congressman Juan Vargas
- San Ysidro Teachers Association, CTA
- Marti Emerald, Former San Diego City Councilmember
Organizations (4)
- Classified School Employee Association, Chapter 154
- Communication Workers of America, Local 9505
- Teamsters Joint Council 42
- Imperial Beach Democratic Club
Elected Officials (12)
- Alicia Muñoz, San Diego County Office of Education Trustee
- Tomas Oliva, El Centro Mayor
- Paul Hall, Sweetwater Union High School District Board Member
- Ken Seaton Msemaji, Labor Leader
- Dr. Gregg Robinson, San Diego County Office of Education Trustee
- Nick Segura, Sweetwater Union High School District Board Member
- Irene Lopez, San Ysidro School District Board Member
- Richard Barrera, San Diego Unified School District Board Member
- Jennifer Mendoza, Lemon Grove City Councilmember
- Matthew Leyba-Gonzalez, Imperial Beach City Councilmember
- Jose Rodriguez, National City Councilmember
- Guadalupe Gonzalez, San Diego County Office of Education Trustee
Political Beliefs
Political Philosophy
Antonio Martinez stands up for working families when others are afraid to do so. In 2014, Antonio was the only School Boardmember to oppose harmful budget cuts, standing with teachers and parents during the San Ysidro Teachers Strike. On the San Ysidro School Board, Antonio Martinez is dedicated to ensuring South Bay kids have the same opportunities to succeed as all other children in San Diego. As a community representative, Antonio advises the Congressman on issues covering Health, Public Safety, Transportation, and Infrastructure. Antonio will fight for our fair share and NOT for Downtown Special Interest and City Hall insiders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Antonio worked with Congressmember Juan Vargas on critical issues like Health Care, Public Safety, Housing, and Social Security. Antonio helped organize food distributions, testing sites, and vaccination clinics in the South Bay. Congressman Vargas counted on Antonio’s work with the IRS to help families receive their stimulus checks. On the School Board, Antonio helped students get access to the internet by helping secure hotspots for families in need.