Huntington Park council elects Eddie Martinez mayor and fills vice mayor slot

The Huntington Park City Council unanimously chose and sworn in Eddie Martinez as mayor and elected a council member nominated in the meeting as vice mayor.

Councilmember Flores nominated Eddie Martinez for mayor; the nomination was seconded and the council voted unanimously to appoint him. Martinez took the oath of office, repeating the oath administered by staff: "I, Eddie Martinez, do solemnly swear..." Martinez noted his family history in Huntington Park and said he recognized the responsibility of the office.

Separately, Councilmember Flores nominated "Council member Johnson" for vice mayor. The nomination was seconded and the council confirmed the vice mayor by unanimous vote. The council then opened a brief public comment period tied to the reorganization.

Speakers at the reorganization's public comment period included Richard Zellmar, founder and executive director of Wall Las Memorias, who praised Martinez's past service and urged continued leadership on public-health and community issues. Multiple other residents congratulated the newly sworn leaders and urged them to act with integrity and respect.

Council procedure: the clerk explained the council would nominate one of their peers, second the nomination and elect by majority vote. The council completed both appointments and performed swearing-in in the meeting room; the mayor announced a five-minute recess following remarks.

What happens next: the mayor and vice mayor will serve one-year terms in the leadership roles and return to regular council duties; the city will proceed with implementing prior agenda items such as the newly adopted districting resolution.