Geraldine Yazza Martinez Announces Candidacy for Otero County Sheriff

TULAROSA, NM — Geraldine Yazza Martinez, a seasoned law enforcement officer and lifelong resident of Otero County, has officially announced her candidacy for Otero County Sheriff. With over two decades of experience across multiple agencies and jurisdictions, Martinez brings a historic résumé and a deeply rooted commitment to justice, accountability, and public trust.

Born in Mescalero and a registered member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Martinez graduated from Alamogordo High School before serving in the United States military. She holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice and is a certified New Mexico law enforcement officer. Her career began with a federal certification from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in 2003, followed by state certification from the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in 2008.

Martinez currently serves as the first female Chief of Police for the Village of Tularosa Police Department. Her trailblazing career includes being the first female Undersheriff for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the first female Chief of the Mescalero Conservation Department, and the first female Sergeant for the Otero County Sheriff’s Office. She has also served as an Investigator with the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, a Tribal Police Officer, and a Deputy with the Otero County Sheriff’s Office.

Her leadership roles have extended into specialized units, including active membership in the Major Crimes Unit and command of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative in Otero County.

“Success in law enforcement isn’t just about making arrests,” Martinez said. “It’s about building strong cases, fostering collaboration, and ensuring justice is served in the courtroom. That process starts with thorough, ethical investigations.”

Martinez emphasized her dedication to victims’ rights, citing their protection under both statutory law and the Constitution. She also highlighted her extensive interagency relationships across federal, state, local, military, and tribal authorities—connections she believes are essential for effective policing in Otero County.

A Christian, Conservative Republican, and pro-life advocate, Martinez described her values as grounded in faith and constitutional principles. “My heart belongs to God,” she said. “He is the great ‘I Am’ who has shaped everything I’ve become.”

Married for 27 years and the mother of two daughters, Martinez is also an avid hunter and a staunch supporter of Second Amendment rights.

If elected, Martinez pledges to restore interagency cooperation, rebuild public trust in the Sheriff’s Office, and ensure accountability at every level of government.

“I take my oath seriously,” she said. “I will lead with integrity and serve the people of Otero County with honor.”

Her campaign slogan—Justice, Accountability, Public Trust—reflects the pillars of her vision for the office.

Follow her at https://www.facebook.com/share/17JdkV6kzH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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