Leslie Martes

Leslie Martes serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Forward Majority, an organization focused on bolstering Democratic power in state legislatures. Founded in 2017, Forward Majority aims to address the imbalance of power between Democrats and Republicans at the state level, particularly in light of significant Republican victories in previous elections.12

Martes has emphasized the critical nature of state legislative races, noting that they are pivotal for safeguarding democracy and influencing broader electoral outcomes. Under her leadership, Forward Majority has mobilized substantial resources to support Democratic candidates, with a reported plan to spend $45 million in the current election cycle.14

In addition to her role at Forward Majority, Martes is involved with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and serves on the Board of America Votes, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing Democratic interests across various platforms.35 She has articulated concerns about Republican funding strategies and the need for Democrats to remain competitive in state races to prevent a late surge from GOP-affiliated groups.1

Martes's work is characterized by a strategic focus on resource allocation and candidate support in key battleground states, aiming to flip seats and maintain Democratic control where it matters most.24