Martin “Marty” O’Donnell, the musical composer for the Halo video game series, has announced he is running for Congress as a Republican in the state of Nevada, adding that he supports the policies of former President Donald Trump.
O’Donnell lives in Lone Mountain, a suburb of Las Vegas, and plans to run against 3rd district candidate Democrat Susie Lee, who was reelected in 2022 with a 55 percent majority. He first needs to win the Republican primary before the 2024 general election. Although he hasn’t lived in Vegas for long, he says he is proud of his new home. “We understand what it’s like out here and we love Nevada. I love Las Vegas,” he said. “I’d never thought I’d be saying that being from Chicago and Seattle. I’m very happy with the weather here.”
His political affiliation has apparently caused a rift among fans in the gaming world, especially because of his support for Trump. He hopes his fame and recognition in the gaming world will translate over to political support.
“America enjoyed a secure border and no inflation in the Trump administration four years ago,” O’Donnell said. “I have voted for President Trump twice and will vote for him a third time this fall. But no matter who is elected this November, if I have the privilege to serve, I plan to work with them. That’s what voters expect and that’s what I’ll do.”
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O’Donnell posted a lengthy explanation to X about his decision to run. “I’m tired of seeing the leaders of our country being influenced by the toxic divisions that are tearing apart our families and society,” he wrote. “It’s time for me to step up and do my civic duty.” And in a video uploaded yesterday on March 3rd, he wrote: “Less lawyers, more composers.”
I never wanted to be a politician and I still don’t. I’ve had two successful careers and have started a few small businesses. I’ve also worked for some big corporations. I was ready to retire and spend more time with my family – which I’ve done for the past 3 years. I think… pic.twitter.com/qlqcmi63Z9
— Marty O'Donnell (@MartyTheElder) March 4, 2024
In an interview with GamesBeat, O’Donnell said he wants to “restore sanity to Washington,” a phrase that occurs frequently in his campaign promotions. He cited economic reforms to create a thriving middle class, border security, and the reestablishment of family and community values as his key issues.
“Politics has always been a kind of hobby,” O’Donnell said. “I just don’t really like the toxic divisions that are happening in our country. I don’t like any of that stuff. And I was sort of reaching out to some local people if there was some way I could help out. I got a bunch of calls from people who asked if I would consider running for Congress.”
O’Donnell received a Master of Music Degree in Composition from the University of Southern California in 1981, launching his career with scores for films like Flintstone Kids and jingles for Mr. Clean commercials. He began composing for games in 1997, starting with the sound design for Cyan’s Riven, as well as all the titles in game developer Bungie’s Myth series. He then went on to compose the majority of tracks for Bungie’s world-famous Halo series, as well as its 2014 first-person shooter Destiny.
Shane Devine is a writer covering politics, economics, and culture for Valuetainment. Follow Shane on X (Twitter).
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