About Grier

Through action and leadership Grier has dedicated himself to his community, his state and his country. He attended the North Carolina public schools and paid much of his way through Davidson College with an ROTC scholarship. He then graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Grier, Louise, and Sara

Grier went on to use his degree in the service of small businesses and non-profits. He also married fellow North Carolina native Louise Porter Martin and became the proud father of a daughter, Sara Louise.

After our country was attacked on September 11, 2001 Grier volunteered for active duty, serving at Ft. Bragg and in the war in Afghanistan in 2002-2003. After two years of active duty, Grier once again answered the call to public service and was first elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2004.

Beyond the legislature Grier has served on the boards of the NC Center for Voter Education, Preservation North Carolina, and the Afro-American Cultural Center (now The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African- American Arts + Culture). He is also a former Sunday school teacher at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. He currently serves in the Army Reserve. He, Louise, and Sara have two cats and two dogs.

What people are saying about Grier

Martin’s district has “been well-represented by this Army veteran of the war in Afghanistan and articulate student of major issues. Martin will be particularly valuable in working on the budget this year, and his work with constituents and their needs is known to be tireless.”
The Raleigh News & Observer, 10/19/2010

A “progressive leader on ethics reforms and environmental issues.”
The Independent, 10/21/2008

This photograph does not imply endorsement by the Dept. of Defense  or Dept. of the Army.

Sara and Grier the day Grier returned home to Raleigh from Afghanistan

“A straight shooter with an independent voice”
The Raleigh News & Observer, 10/10/2008

Martin has provided “outstanding leadership, devoted service and unwavering dedication to build better lives for the disabled veterans and their families of this great state and nation.”
Disabled American Veterans, Department of North Carolina, 06/15/2007

“Grier Martin of Raleigh has shown good instincts: He didn’t take free meals from lobbyists even before ethics reform was enacted, and he declined the $104-a-day living allowance for lawmakers even though he could have claimed it. Martin, a 36-year-old attorney, has been an energetic, imaginative legislator not afraid to break with the partisan status quo.”
The Raleigh News & Observer, 11/01/2006

“Heroic: First-term House member Grier Martin, D-Raleigh, who voted against the state budget because of the pro-lottery language in it.”
The Independent, 08/17/2005

“A family man who missed his daughter’s early months because he volunteered to fight terror in Afghanistan.”
The Raleigh News & Observer, 08/09/2005

“Grier Martin is a political bright light with a deep belief in public service.”
The Independent, 10/20/2004

Honors and Awards

NC Craft Brewers Association “Legislative Leadership Award”

Toxic Free NC “Legislator of the Year” 2017

Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina “Legislator of the Year” 2012

NC School Counselor Association “Legislator of the Year” 2012

Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina “Legislator of the Year” 2012

NC Metro Mayors Coalition “Legislative Award” 2011 for work on transportation issues

Conservation Council of NC (League of Conservation Voters) “Defender of the Environment” 2010

National Guard Association of the US “Charles Dick Medal of Merit

Brain Injury Association of NC “Our Hero Award” 2009

Democracy North Carolina “Sunshine Award2009, 2011, 2015 for campaign finance transparency

Disabled American Veterans, Department of NC “Legislator of the Year” 2007

Pesticide Education Project’s (Toxic Free NC) “Legislative Leadership Award” 2006

Conservation Council of NC (League of Conservation Voters) “Freshman of the Year” 2006