Santa Cruz County Supervisor Monica Martinez has been selected as state Sen. John Laird’s 2026 Pride Month honoree and was recognized Tuesday at the California State Capitol during the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus’s annual Pride Month celebration.
Martinez, who represents Santa Cruz County’s Fifth District and serves as chair of the Board of Supervisors, was among 15 Californians honored during the caucus’s Pride Month Floor Ceremony for contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and for serving as role models.
Laird said Martinez has dedicated her career to public service and expanding opportunities for residents.
“Supervisor Martinez has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and serving those most in need,” Laird said in a statement. “As the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, she has helped break barriers while remaining deeply committed to public service.”
Martinez made history in 2024 when she became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the first woman elected to represent the county’s Fifth District.
Before joining the board, Martinez served for more than a decade as chief executive officer of Encompass Community Services, a Santa Cruz County nonprofit that provides behavioral health, housing and family support services. During her tenure, she oversaw programs serving vulnerable populations throughout the region.
As a county supervisor, Martinez has focused on healthcare access, youth and family services, disaster preparedness and public safety, according to Laird’s office. She has also advocated for LGBTQ+ youth, inclusive healthcare and policies aimed at expanding opportunity for residents.
Martinez said the recognition was especially meaningful because of her experiences growing up without many openly LGBTQ+ public figures.
“Growing up in a conservative family in Bakersfield, I did not see many openly LGBTQ+ leaders in public life, and I understand how powerful representation can be, especially for young people who are still learning who they are and where they belong,” Martinez said.
She said she hopes her election and leadership demonstrate that LGBTQ+ people “belong in every space where decisions are being made” and that their perspectives strengthen communities.”
The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, made up of openly LGBTQ+ members of the state Senate and Assembly, hosts the annual ceremony to recognize Californians who have advanced representation, equality and inclusion across the state.
