Martin John Kennedy

Martin John Kennedy (August 29, 1892 – October 27, 1955) was an Irish-American politician from New York who served as a Democratic member of the New York State Senate and the United States House of Representatives. Born in New York City on August 29, 1892, he was educated in the city’s public schools before pursuing higher education. He graduated from Columbia University in 1909 and from the College of the City of New York in 1914, an academic foundation that preceded his entry into business and public service.

Following his graduation, Kennedy engaged in the real estate and insurance business in New York City, a field in which he would remain active throughout his life. During World War I, he served in the United States Army Intelligence, contributing to the nation’s war effort in a specialized capacity. His early involvement in civic affairs was further demonstrated by his tenure as chairman of the New York City School Board from 1918 to 1924, a role in which he participated in the administration and oversight of the city’s public education system.

Kennedy’s formal political career began in the New York State Senate, where he served as a Democrat representing the 18th District from 1924 to 1930. During this period he sat in the 147th through 153rd New York State Legislatures, taking part in state-level lawmaking during a time of social and economic change in the 1920s. His work in the State Senate, combined with his background in local education governance and business, helped establish his reputation as a public official and prepared him for national office.

Martin John Kennedy served as a Representative from New York in the United States Congress from 1929 to 1945, contributing to the legislative process during eight terms in office. More precisely, he was elected as a Democrat to the 71st United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of John F. Carew, and he was re-elected to the seven succeeding Congresses, holding office from April 11, 1930, to January 3, 1945. As a member of the House of Representatives, Kennedy participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his constituents during a significant period in American history that encompassed the Great Depression, the New Deal era, and the early years of World War II.

Throughout his congressional service, Kennedy remained aligned with the Democratic Party and took part in the national legislative debates and policymaking that characterized this transformative period. His long tenure in the House reflected sustained electoral support and continuity of representation for his New York district. While serving in Congress, he drew on his experience in state government, local education administration, and private enterprise to inform his work on federal legislation and constituent matters.

After leaving Congress in January 1945, Kennedy resumed his activities in the real estate and insurance business in New York City. He continued to be identified with the city in which he had been born, educated, and had built both his professional and political careers. He did not return to elective office but remained part of the civic and business life of the community.

Martin John Kennedy died in New York City on October 27, 1955. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. His career, spanning local educational leadership, state legislative service, and eight terms in the United States House of Representatives, reflected a lifetime of engagement in public affairs and Democratic Party politics in New York.