Marty O'Donnell: Donald Trump endorses him for Congress

Marty O'Donnell, best known as the composer behind iconic game soundtracks including Halo, has announced his candidacy for Congress. This marks his second attempt to win a seat in the U.S. Congress, specifically in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District.

O'Donnell's candidacy

O'Donnell, who previously made an unsuccessful run for the same district in 2024, has revived his campaign with the support of former President Donald Trump. In his last campaign, he finished fourth in the Republican primaries, with the winner going on to lose to incumbent Democratic Representative Susie Lee by just 10,000 votes.

Trump's endorsement

On April 14, 2026, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he was backing O'Donnell. He called him an "America First Patriot" and expressed confidence in O'Donnell as Nevada's future representative. Trump criticized Lee as a "Radical Left Extremist" and suggested that O'Donnell will support tax cuts and immigration restrictions.

From music to politics

O'Donnell, who was fired by Bungie in 2014, has had a notable career in the game industry. His compositions for Halo and Destiny have earned worldwide recognition. Although he once called Trump an "idiot" on social media, he now appears to have formed an alliance with the former president. This striking shift in his political approach could have an impact on his campaign.

Context and political background

O'Donnell's political background has been widely discussed, especially given his earlier preference for other conservative intellectuals over Trump's approach to Republican politics. The current political climate, where video games and politics are increasingly intertwined, gives O'Donnell a unique platform to share his message. In the past, O'Donnell has spoken about his political ambitions, with a clear focus on the future of his grandchildren.

With these latest developments, it seems O'Donnell is ready to revisit his political ambitions, now with the backing of a major political figure. Whether this endorsement will actually help him in his bid for a seat remains an intriguing question heading into the next election.