The Democratic race to lose to Stephanie Bice has gotten way more interesting!
Earlier this month, Trey Martin – a hard-workin’, union-lovin’, blue-collarin', tattooed man-bro from the Edmond–Guthrie badlands of Logan County – officially announced he will run against Jena Nelson in the Democratic primary for CD-5 on June 16.
According to the Ogle Mole Network, his surprise entry into the field – along with his virtually unknown background, previous Independent political affiliation, and national Super PAC backing – has ruffled the feathers of many in the local Democratic establishment, most of whom assumed Jena’s path to face Bice would go unopposed.
Here’s his bio photo from his website. He looks like a composite image of every kid's mom's new boyfriend.
Normally, I prefer that my politicians dress the part and wear a tie, but in Trey’s case, I’ll give him a pass. Let’s be honest – if I had a giant growth about to burst out of my throat, I probably wouldn’t wear a tie either! Seriously, what is that thing? A pimple? A spider bite? A broken Adam's apple? We need answers!
Plus, wearing a tie goes against the Fetterman-esque, blue-collar working-man image that Trey’s trying to portray on the campaign trail. That’s pretty evident in his campaign launch video.
He goes super heavy into the “I’m a tough, independent, no B.S. guy who hates politics, but… for some reason is entering politics” theme. If you’re a liberal Joe Rogan fan who eats beef jerky and enjoys the music and sound effects in Ram truck commercials, you’re going to love it.
See what I mean? That was pretty intense! Sure, he didn’t explain any of his policy proposals, where he stands on actual issues, or why he filed so late in the process and, until recently, was a registered independent, but whatever – he hates politicians and doesn't have soft hands, so I guess that makes him cool, relatable, and votable!
Well, at least that’s what Trey and his out-of-state handlers want you to think.
Apparently, Trey is backed by a national PAC created by former Independent Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborne.
They’re trying to elect tough, independent-minded, “hate politicians” union types to Congress all across the country, and judging by their commercials, websites, and campaign materials, they’re doing it with the same Ford Tough, cookie-cutter tone, style, and messaging everywhere they go.
For example:
As I mentioned earlier, Trey’s national connections, polished branding, and high-end production values have ruffled feathers within the local Democratic establishment that tossed it's early supoort towards Jena Nelson, leaving some to wonder whether his campaign is truly legitimate, or simply a national PAC-driven effort to raise money through political disruption.
I don’t know the answer – I’m hearing mixed things, so it’s probably a little of both – but you can ask Trey at his campaign kickoff this Sunday if you’re bored:
Unlike Trey, I’m a proud and loyal independent voter, which means I can’t even vote in primary elections, so I have no stake in the Jena–Trey debate. That being said, you’re really calling her a cookie-cutter politician? Hypocrite much? That would be like Jena calling Trey an indecisive grocery shopper!
Regardless of your thoughts about Trey, I’m glad he is running for CD-5.
As long as they’re not Paul Bondar, the more people we have participating in democracy – even if they’re just a well-produced fundraising experiment – the better.
Plus, it will hopefully give us more material to cover. That’s always a bonus.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
