Brian Martin

Brian Martin was born in Seattle, Washington. He earned a bachelor's degree from Western Washington University in 1991 and a graduate degree from Oregon State University in 2008. Martin’s career experience includes working as a college professor.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Seattle and grew up in Lake Forest Park.I went to Shorecrest High School and played on the high school football team. I once rode my bicycle from Kirkland to Walla Walla. I love riding my motorcycle.September 11, 2001 was a wake up call for me. I have been traditional and conservative for the past twenty years.I am running for U.S. Representative for the 7th district because it has become clear to me that Pramila Jayapal is a member of the Radical Left. She doesn’t represent me, or make the choices that I think are best for our country.I taught for more than ten years at the college level (composition, history, and literature) and I became disillusioned with higher education. I think it needs reform. The Preamble of the Constitution urges us to always make our country better, and I believe there are healthier ways to do that than with the ideas of the Left.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I think citizens who work hard for their private insurance and the greater options it provides do not want to lose it for "Medicare for All." Let's think of another way to provide insurance for those citizens who don't have health insurance.Free market capitalism is the best economic model for our country, not the government-owned and planned economy of socialism.We care about the environment, so I vote to stay in the Paris Agreement so we can set a good example for other countries to follow.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I care very much about the environment, education, infrastructure, growing the middle class, and pride in our country.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to our Founding Fathers: Washington, Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison...as well as later presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution" by Richard Beeman

"American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation" by Jon Meacham

"The Idea of America: Reflections on the Birth of the United States" by Gordon Wood

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I genuinely want to work for our country. I'm a good listener, open-minded, but I know that ultimately my choices are my own.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I recall the Iran Hostage Crisis (Nov. 4, 1979 - Jan. 28, 1981). I was aware that Americans were being held hostage in Iran, and it lasted a really long time. It was very suspenseful. I was embarrassed by our failed rescue attempt.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Because their terms are just two years, and there are more congress members than in the Senate, U.S. Representatives may reflect the views of the people more than any other branch of government.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Our greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade are the economy (this is always an ever-present challenge), race relations, immigration, the environment, and infrastructure.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

It is probably beneficial to study the past speakers of the House. But right now I am keeping a close eye on Dan Crenshaw and Elise Stefanik, two representatives I admire right now. I follow them both on Instagram.

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