Leadership with Heart
Karen Martinez was born and raised in East San José where she learned early that strong communities are built by neighbors who show up for each other.
At just 16, Karen became a mother, a life-changing moment that fueled her drive to work harder, dream bigger, and open doors for the next generation.
Karen and her husband Angel, who have been married for 27 years, raised their blended family in East San José. They are deeply rooted in the local schools, parks, and neighborhoods.
Karen’s commitment to public service began at the grassroots level as a volunteer at the neighborhood association, a cheer coach, and team mom, and that led her to become a leader in the education industry.
She was a founding parent of Alpha Blanca Alvarado Public School which now serves more than 1,000 families in East San José.
During her time on the Alum Rock Union School Board, Karen helped lead the largest facilities upgrade in the district’s history, improving campuses and classrooms for students across the community.
In 2018, voters elected Karen to the San Jose Evergreen Community College District Board of Trustees where she represents East San José. Karen has worked to expand college access, strengthen workforce programs, and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. Karen has an extensive and proven record of fiscal responsibility, delivering balanced budgets and securing $709 million in resources to serve students and the community.
Karen is not a career politician. She is a hands-on leader who listens first, does the actual work, and delivers real results.
Whether improving schools, revitalizing neighborhoods, or creating programs to keep kids safe and on the right path, Karen’s leadership style stays the same: work hard, build trust, and focus relentlessly on what matters to the community.
On the San José City Council, she will fight to make East San José safer, cleaner, and stronger so every family has the opportunity to live their best life.
Karen's Plan
East San José should be a place where families feel safe, children receive a quality education, and every neighbor has the opportunity to thrive. I’ve spent my life working to make that vision a reality from serving on the Alum Rock School Board and San Jose Evergreen Community College Board to decades of grassroots work in our neighborhoods.
On the San Jose City Council, I’ll focus on the basics, deliver results, and put our residents first.
Public Safety & Vibrant Neighborhoods
Safe streets and clean neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong community. I’ll work to fully staff our police, reduce crime, improve traffic safety, and partner with residents to fight blight and build trust.
Housing & Homelessness Solutions
We can tackle homelessness with urgency and compassion by building affordable housing, cutting red tape, and providing humane, effective shelter while keeping streets and parks safe and clean for everyone.
Education & Opportunity
Strong schools are the heart of neighborhoods. I’ll partner with educators, parents, nonprofits, and local organizations to ensure every child receives a quality education and families have the resources they need to succeed.
Stronger Local Economy
East San José deserves thriving small businesses and good-paying jobs. I’ll work to cut bureaucracy, support local entrepreneurs, and attract investment that creates opportunity without losing the character of our neighborhoods.
Clean, Well-Maintained Infrastructure
Potholes, broken sidewalks, and neglected parks hurt our quality of life. I’ll prioritize repairing streets, maintaining parks, and expanding neighborhood clean-up programs.
Transparent, Accountable Government
City Hall should work for you. I’ll fight for open communication, public access to decision-making, and clear reporting so residents know exactly where their tax dollars go.