In 2024, Colene Martin campaigned for a County Commissioner seat and lost. Notably, the Republican Party did not endorse her, despite her registration as a Republican. Instead, the Democratic Party chose to support her candidacy. For many conservatives, this cross-party support was a significant red flag regarding her political alignment.
In my view, Martin faced a defining moment: she could have stood firm on traditional Republican principles and rejected the opposition’s support, or she could accept it and risk being seen as a “Republican in name only.” Her decision to embrace that support offers insight into her values and how she might govern if given the chance.
Since then, Martin was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). Her brief tenure has provided further evidence of her governing style. To many observers, her decisions have aligned more closely with Democratic priorities—specifically “tax and spend” and “big government” policies—rather than conservative fiscal restraint.
In her first few months as an appointed Commissioner, Martin has voted to:
- Raise SOS rates.
- Send a tax increase to the voters.
- Expand county government, despite warnings from the budget committee that funds were insufficient to cover new personnel.
- Terminate all three members of the budget committee.
Furthermore, a recent campaign flier sent by Colene Martin and Seth Benham was reportedly funded by an organization* known for electing Democratic candidates.
Once again, voters are faced with a choice. Given a record that aligns more with Democratic values than conservative principles, the decision for Republican voters is clear: reject Colene Martin.
* The Coalition for a Healthy Oregon
