Unity was transformative at GOP Convention

The unity at the Republican National Convention last week was transformative, according to Neshoba County’s Ty Martin, former vice chairman of the Mississippi Teenage Republicans, who was there.

Former President Donald Trump’s appearance with his family on Monday, two days after the assassination attempt, was the highlight, even though Trump wasn’t scheduled to speak until Thursday as the party’s nominee.

“The floor at the RNC was chaotic in a good way,” Martin said. “It was really great coming together with other Republicans. I made lifelong friends and connections, and I even met some cool people from California.”

Martin had the opportunity to attend the RNC in Milwaukee as a state party staffer assisting delegates.

He and a friend drove 12 hours to Milwaukee, making a trip out of it by taking pictures at state lines and stopping by Johnny Cash’s house.

“Through my role with the state party as the delegation aid, I got to closely observe the Mississippi delegation, all 40 of its members, and 37 of its alternates,” he said. “This RNC was one of the most prevalent conventions we’ve had in a long time.”

Martin arrived in Milwaukee a week before the convention for Committee Week, where he met two committee members from California, Mario Rodriguez and Jennifer Korn.

Rodriguez heads Hispanic 100, a group that mobilizes Latino votes for Trump. Korn, who worked for Trump as a deputy assistant during his first term, will be the highest-ranking Hispanic in his administration if he wins re-election.

Martin described the energy in the room when Trump made his first appearance on Monday night as transformative.

“It was one of those you-had-to-be-there moments,” he said. “Everyone went from feeling tired to excited really quick.”

“I think the world saw a stage where Republicans are finally united,” Martin added. “Republicans left Milwaukee with a fire in their belly and unity in their heart, ready to win in November.”

Martin said the convention exceeded his expectations, and after seeing everyone coming together when primary opponents Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley took the stage, he believes the GOP is truly united for this election.

“I think that serves us well both electorally and legislatively,” he said. “I foresee good things in the future. If you watch closely at the DNC in August, you’ll see what the party could have looked like if we didn’t rally around President Trump’s leadership.”

He also said the convention addressed key issues that affect everyday Americans.

“In President Trump’s speech, he covered everything from American infrastructure needs to government healthcare expansion and foreign adversaries,” he said.

Martin said that the biggest cheer from the crowd came when Trump promised to lower gas prices and grocery costs.

“Economic policies were at the forefront of this convention,” he said. “Every day Americans are feeling naked under the polices of the Biden administration. It cost a ton of money for delegates to stay in Milwaukee that week. Gas there is almost $4 a gallon.”

Martin further emphasized the importance of young people in the Republican party.

“The youth bring a different outlook and things we haven’t seen in a long time to the forefront of the party,” he said. “The majority of today’s voter base is between 18 and 35, and some people talking in front of the cameras just aren’t connecting to that base.”

Martin’s advice to other young people wanting to get involved in politics is to prove themselves, be available, and be willing to learn.

“My teenage Republicans and I once waited tables at a party event. By doing that, we showed that the party can count on us. Trust is a big thing in politics,” he said. “When I go to a county and need someone to call, I look for people I can count on.”

Martin is currently serving on the executive staff of the Mississippi Republican Party. He has also served as chairman of the Neshoba County Teenage Republicans and vice chairman of the Mississippi Teenage Republicans, and he still sits on the NCTR advisory board.

During his junior year at Neshoba Central in 2022, he moved to Washington, D.C., for six months to work as a U.S. Senate page. That same year, he worked as the Central Mississippi Field Director for Gov. Tate Reeves’ re-election campaign.

Martin will be a sophomore at Mississippi College this fall, majoring in political science on a pre-law track.

His parents are Pat and Ann Marie Martin.