LOS ANGELES — Councilwoman Nury Martinez, the City representative for Council District 6, which represents the Northeast San Fernando Valley, was elected as the first Latina President of the L.A. City Council.

Martinez, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, previously served as Assistant President Pro Tempore and President Pro Tempore, beginning in 2017 and 2018 respectively. While she was appointed to both those posts by Council President Herb Wesson, she was elected president by her city council colleagues.

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In addition to being the first Latina elected to the office, Martinez, who grew up in Pacoima, is only the second woman elected to serve as City Council President, following Councilwoman Pat Russell, back in 1983.

Councilwoman Ruth Galanter also assumed the role of Council President as part of her duties as President Pro Tempore, leading up to and following the death of then Council President John Ferraro in 2001.

“I want to thank Council President Wesson and my City Council colleagues for their overwhelming support and partnership,” said Councilwoman Martinez in a statement. “As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, it is not lost on me that in one of the most diverse cities in the world and the second-largest city in the nation, I will soon become the first Latina City Council President in Los Angeles’ storied history."

"Any feelings of pride are eclipsed by an enormous sense of duty to work hard each and every day – as my parents taught me," Martinez continued. "To do what is right and just for the residents of the City of Los Angeles. I look forward to bringing a woman’s perspective and families-first agenda to the President’s Chair, and working with my dedicated Council Colleagues and Mayor Garcetti to ensure resources, services and opportunities abound for Angelenos in all 15 Council Districts.”     

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted his congratulations.

At the Tuesday meeting where Martinez was elected Council President, the Council also voted to approve Council President Herb Wesson's motion to allow him to step down from his duties as Council President, an office he has held since 2011.