Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel called for new state funding to support a comprehensive groundwater study for Long Island. An expanded version of their proposal was adopted by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Martins sponsored legislation that would prevent New York from entering into a state contract or investment with those who boycott Israel or other American allies. Martins served as chairman of the State Senate's Labor Committee and was co-chair of the Senate's Task Force on Workforce Development. He previously chaired the Senate's Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee and the Senate's Local Government Committee. Martins also served on the New York State Mandate Relief Council, which was created to help reduce costs for local governments and school districts by eliminating or reforming regulations. 2016 congressional campaign Martins was the Republican nominee in the 2016 election to represent New York's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives, and received the endorsement of the Republican Party, Conservative Party and the Independence Party. Martins was defeated by Democrat Thomas Suozzi in the general election. Suozzi won 53% of the vote to Martins' 47%. 2017 Nassau County executive campaign On April 26, 2017, Martins announced that he would run for Nassau County executive. Martins received the GOP nomination for County Executive and was uncontested in the primary. Martins was defeated by the Democratic nominee, Nassau County legislator Laura Curran, in the November 7, 2017, election; Curran won 51% of the vote to Martins' 48%. 2023 congressional speculation Amid calls for newly seated congressman George Santos to resign, Martins was mentioned as a possible replacement. Personal life As of 2018, Martins is a board member of the Henry Viscardi School. He is a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the Lions Club's highest honor. He was honored as the 2012 Portuguese Man of the Year during Nassau County's first ever public event recognizing the Portuguese Community on Long Island. He and his wife, Paula, have four daughters. Election results November 2017 General Election, Nassau County Executive {| class="Wikitable" | Jack Martins (REP - Reform Party - TRP - CON) - 139,204 |- |Laura Curran (DEM) - 147,102 |} November 2016 General Election, US House of Representatives, 3rd CD {| class="Wikitable" | Jack Martins (REP - IND - CON) || ... || 152,304 |- | Thomas R. Suozzi (DEM) || ... || 171,775 |} November 2014 General Election, NYS Senate, 7th SD {|