A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Washington House of Representatives in 1944 and was the first governor born in the territory of the state.

After leaving the university, he joined his wheat-farming father in founding the family business, the F. M. Martin Grain and Milling Company in Cheney.

Martin was elected Governor of Washington in November 1932, in the Democratic landslide which virtually replaced most Republicans in state political offices.

Given the dire economic circumstances and the crisis atmosphere of the early 1930s, Martin's first gubernatorial campaign was remarkable in its moderation.

His platform was based on providing unemployment relief and tax reform; he vowed "to return the state government to the service and benefit of the people."

By the end of the campaign, he had made 750 speeches and traveled 40,000 miles, but as he said, he "gave away no cigars, kissed no babies and promised no jobs."

(Spokesman Review, April 19, 1933 p. 3) Martin recognized the need to set aside partisan politics to effectively combat the Depression.

The business and occupation tax was enacted during the twenty-third legislative session, but was declared unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court in September, 1933, after a long and bitter struggle.

Washington was one of the firsts of the northwestern states to enter the field of old-age insurance when the Legislature passed the social security measure in February, 1933.

He proposed that the state assume 50 percent of the funding burden of the public school system to insure the continued quality and equality of education.

He recommended an "open door" policy at the university level for all Washington high school graduates to promote equality of opportunity for higher education.

With respect to mortgage debts, Martin believed that some modification of the foreclosure procedure should be enacted to provide a "breathing spell" for those farmers and homeowners threatened with the loss of their property.

Olympia, Washington: Jay Tomas Printer, 1933) Martin's first months in office paralleled the feverish activity of the new federal administration.

An active and constructive fight against the depression characterized his administration, a sharp contrast to the passive acknowledgement shown by the Hartley regime.

Governor Martin was on hand for the ground-breaking ceremonies in September, 1933, and he poured the first bucket of cement in December, 1935.

In the long run Grand Coulee Dam provided electricity for industry and home, as well as irrigation water for the Columbia Basin.

With the end of prohibition the state of Washington secured much needed revenue by organizing and operating the retail liquor business.

His majority in 1936, which was greater than that of his first election and again larger than President Roosevelt's statewide vote, reflected the popular confidence in his administration.

In February, 1944, Governor Martin was appointed to fill a vacancy in the state House of Representatives from the Fifth District and served a special session.

Martin remarried in April 1944, and with his new bride, the former Merle L. Lewis of Spokane, left Cheney and settled in southern California, but were divorced in March 1946.

[6] Martin's public commitment to the welfare of the state's citizens is documented by the deeds of his administration, but his private actions also reveal a man of generosity and compassion.

He continued his interest in debate and public speaking, activities at which he excelled in college, by sponsoring an annual oratorical contest in Cheney.

One historian records that when Martin left office "the state was solvent, the radical left-wing groups had been kept in check, and there had been no compromise with Socialistic panaceas.