Melquiades "Mel" Rafael Martinez was sworn in as Florida's thirty-third Senator on January 4, 2005 and took his place in the history books as the first Cuban-American to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Mel Martinez has called Florida home since the age of 15. He came to Orlando from his native Sagua la Grande, Cuba as part of 'Operation Pedro Pan,' a humanitarian program that helped Cuban children escape communist Cuba. Martinez lived with foster families who generously opened their homes to him until he was reunited with his family at age 19

This generosity of strangers has had a lasting effect on Martinez, instilling a strong sense of community and the need to give back to this country.

After graduating from Florida State University with his undergraduate and law degrees Mel Martinez went back to his adopted hometown of Orlando and became the first bilingual attorney in Central Florida. He offered advice and counsel to Hispanic families who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation. Martinez also became active in many youth, civic and community organizations and established a successful law practice.

In 1998, Martinez became County Mayor of Orange County He instituted what has since become known as the 'Martinez Doctrine,' which ensured that no new development could take place until local roads and schools were able to absorb the rapid growth being experienced in Central Florida.

Prior to serving Florida in the U.S. Senate, Martinez most recently served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George W. Bush. At HUD, Martinez helped further the goals of an 'ownership society' by promoting home-ownership for low-income workers.

Martinez currently serves on the Foreign Relations, Banking, Energy and Aging Committees, allowing him to play an integral role on critical issues facing Florida. He has already made his mark as a leader for Florida by fighting to keep offshore drilling from encroaching on Florida's Gulf, ensuring Florida's fair share of transportation funding, and helping to ratify the Central American Free Trade Agreement to level the playing field for the largest foreign market for Florida exports.

Martinez resides in Orlando with his wife of 35 years, Kitty. They have three children and two grandchildren. Mel and Kitty are active members of St. James Cathedral Parish.