Meet Cole Marting

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cole Marting a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

One of my most strong and memorable encounters with nay-sayers was in my years at UC Santa Barbara. From the very beginning, I found myself a part of a vocal minority, a conservative on a college campus. My heavy involvement in local politics and student government didn’t help much in that department either. This was especially true when I strived to participate in initiatives like the annual student lobby trip to Washington D.C. This trip was a chance for students to advocate for our generation’s toughest issues directly to Congress, and I felt strongly that my perspective could contribute to a more balanced representation of our student body’s needs.

Despite a thorough and rigorous application process and my deep engagement with both student and broader local issues, my application was dismissed outright by a panel composed entirely of students with opposing viewpoints. The rejection was abrupt and without acute explanation, highlighting the challenges of ideological diversity on college campuses.

However, looking back now, this was a key moment that only strengthened my resolve. I promised myself that I would continue to advocate for the values I believed in, regardless of whether I had the nay-sayers approval. This determination has carried me through my roles with the Young Republicans, and in positions at the White House, U.S. Congress, and the Republican National Committee. Looking back, I realize that facing such staunch opposition early on didn’t just test my persistence—it deepened my commitment to fight for those who feel they have no voice.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

A vote is the great equalizer in America, regardless of your social standing, economic position, or your geographical location. My life’s work is dedicated to ensuring that every American uses their vote wisely to improve our local communities, state, and nation.

In my roles with the California Young Republicans and the San Diego Young Republicans, I’ve spearheaded initiatives to offer official endorsements, providing young voters with clear, principled guidance on local issues and candidates. These endorsements are crucial for educating young people on the conservative stance in a state facing significant challenges, from high crime rates to rising taxes and the exodus of many Californians seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

My efforts extend beyond formal organizational work. Last year, I embarked on a speaking tour across local community groups, discussing how California arrived at its current tough challenges and outlining straightforward, common-sense solutions. These engagements were about more than just speeches; they were about changing the perspectives of community members through relatable explanations and simple steps.

Whether through formal channels like endorsements and campaigns or informal conversations with community members, my work aims to empower individuals with the knowledge to use their votes to effect meaningful change. This mission is about transforming communities and improving lives through informed, responsible voting.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

There are three key skills that I would highly recommend a younger version of myself hone in on: commitment, resilience, and communication.

I’ve always been a fan of Grant Cardone’s take on pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations, and committing to solving the problem before you have all the answers. The world moves fast, and politics moves faster. Sometime you just need to “commit first, figure out the rest later.” This approach has pushed me out of my comfort zone and led to immense growth, both personally and professionally. For anyone starting their journey, my advice is to take that leap of faith. Don’t wait until you have everything perfectly lined up—commit, and trust yourself enough to fill in the missing pieces along the way.

As a young conservative in environments that often held opposing views, I’ve had to stay focused and persistent. It’s easy to get discouraged when faced with criticism or opposition, but those experiences helped me refine my arguments and grow stronger. My advice to others is to embrace criticism as a tool for growth. If you’re committed to your mission, push through the noise and stay the course. Ultimately, you must remain immensely resilient.

There is a key reason fellow Californian Ronald Reagan swept his 1984 election — he was known as the “Great Communicator” for his ability to break down complex problems into simple solutions. Whether writing for the San Diego Union Tribune or speaking at events, I’ve learned that connecting with people is about making complex issues simple and relatable. Being able to articulate your ideas clearly and connect with a broad audience is essential in politics and beyond. To those early in their journey, I suggest honing your communication skills—practice explaining your ideas, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and most importantly, listening to others.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always excited to collaborate with individuals and groups who are passionate about spreading common sense conservative ideas, especially young people. My work with the California Young Republicans and the San Diego Young Republicans is all about empowering the next generation of leaders, and I believe that young voices are critical in shaping the future of our community, state, country. I’m especially interested in partnering with those who have platforms—whether through social media, podcasts, events, or other channels—to help amplify the message of fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and practical solutions to the challenges we face.

If you’re a young conservative leader or someone who’s passionate about spreading these ideas, I’d love to connect. Shoot me a DM on X to @Cole_Marting. Let’s team up and work together, because there is a lot of important work to do.

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