During World War II, Martin enlisted in the United States Coast Guard.

The 12th district comprised all of the counties of Ellis, Hill, Hood, Johnson, Somervell in North Central Texas.

He sponsored legislation in insurance reform and securities regulation, and he was elected president pro tem of the Senate in 1955.

[2] Under Martin's leadership, the attorney general's office added antitrust, consumer protection, crime prevention, and water control divisions to its organization.

[2] Despite his record, Martin was defeated in the 1972 Texas primary by his successor as Secretary of State, John Hill.