Councilwoman Giselle Martinez has officially launched her re-election campaign for the Ward 1 seat on the Newburgh City Council. Martinez, who announced her candidacy at a kickoff event on Sunday, Jan. 5, is seeking her first re-election after becoming the youngest person ever elected to the council.

The Ward 1 seat was previously held by Karen Mejia until Martinez won the position several years ago. A lifelong Newburgh resident, Martinez grew up in the city’s East End as the eldest of three daughters in a family of immigrants who settled in Newburgh in the late 1990s.

Martinez graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 2016, earned her bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary College in 2020, and completed a master’s degree at Marist College in 2024. Her community involvement began early, including work with the Boys and Girls Club on Liberty Street and internships with former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney and State Sen. Jessica Ramos. She later joined Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson’s staff as a constituent liaison.

In an interview ahead of her campaign announcement, Martinez said she remains committed to serving her community and continuing the progress made during her tenure. Her platform focuses on infrastructure improvements, environmental justice, expanding green spaces, promoting homeownership, maintaining a stable tax base, advocating for tenant protections, supporting local businesses, and enhancing public safety.

One of the most significant challenges Martinez has faced was addressing the contentious Good Cause Eviction law, which she said was often misunderstood. Despite initial criticism during her first campaign regarding her age and education, Martinez said those doubts motivated her to work harder. “I’m coming in with a stronger background and more experience than when I first ran,” she said.

Martinez urged Ward 1 voters to trust her based on her record of accomplishments. Highlights include the installation of the Tyrone Crabb Park Splash Pad, extensive road paving funded by nearly $5 million, and support for small businesses through grant programs. She also pointed to the council’s fiscal achievements, such as receiving awards for state and local government budgeting, improving bond ratings, and achieving a zero fiscal stress score for several years.

Martinez has supported various initiatives, including lead line replacement projects, plans for a new aquatic center at Delano-Hitch Park, and a splash pad at Xavier Lunan Park. She has also championed programs like the Environmental Justice Fellowship and Shop Small Saturday.

“While I represent Ward 1, I am part of a team,” Martinez said. “It’s important to work collaboratively with my colleagues to move Newburgh forward. I’m proud to be a strong voice for my community and will continue to fight for Ward 1 and the entire city.”