We had the good fortune of connecting with Cole Marting and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cole, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m a huge fan of Grant Cardone’s take on risk: “Commit first, figure out the rest later.” For me, risk has been a driving force throughout my life and career. Grassroots and community organizing constantly demands a willingness to embrace uncertainty. One example is helping resurrect the San Diego Young Republicans after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as a dormant organization quickly became the fastest-growing Young Republican chapter in the state, all because we took calculated risks to grow the organization.

Personally early in my career, I took a significant leap by heading to D.C. to intern in the White House under the Trump Administration. As a college student on summer break, boarding a plane to a city where I knew no one, with just a few suits packed in a bag, and subleasing a room in a frat house from American University students, was a daunting move. The uncertainty of not knowing who I’d be living with, working with, or even meeting in the entire city was a major risk. But it was these very experiences—risky and uncomfortable—that were crucial in shaping my perspectives to fix California.

Without taking that leap, I wouldn’t have witnessed firsthand the dysfunction and selfish nature across Washington, which ultimately fueled my determination to save California from a similar fate. Risk has not only been a part of my journey but has also been the catalyst for my commitment to preserving the future of this beautiful state.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A lot of my work revolves around the belief that California is worth saving—and that we can do it. For years, the state has suffered under misguided policies and mismanagement, with one party rule in Sacramento steering us toward high taxes, rampant homelessness and crime, and a high speed train to nowhere. But I firmly believe these challenges can be overcome. My book, “California’s Toughest Challenges and the Common Sense Conservative Ways to Solve Them,” lays out practical, low hanging fruit solutions to these tough challenges. While it will take significant effort and time to turn this state around, focusing on the basics and finding solutions with broad consensus can set us on the right path again.

My perspective is not the norm.

More and more, I hear from Californians who have either left or are planning to leave for more conservative, common-sense states. In fact, over 500,000 Californians have fled the state in the last two years alone (enough to lose a Congressional district). They’ve left for cleaner neighborhoods, lower taxes, and more freedom.

This mindset of leaving has become the majority opinion, but it’s not mine.

I believe this state can be turned around, and it starts with one conversation at a time. By engaging with our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors about the issues we all face and the common-sense solutions we can implement, we can begin to make a real difference. I’m committed to staying and fighting for the future of California because I know it’s a fight worth having.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The plan can be pretty simple and laid back when visiting San Diego. My favorite is to start at the beach, then I’d recommend taking a stroll along the 101 in Encinitas, where you can enjoy a great meal near the ocean. And if you’re looking for a spot that’s truly special, I’d take you to a beautiful overlook by Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, right above the train tracks. I may be a bit biased, though—that’s where I proposed to my wife.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A good coach can change a life, and for me, that person was my high school wrestling coach. While he is an award winning coach for his teachings on the mat, it was his off-the-mat wisdom that left the most lasting impact. I can still hear his voice saying, “Compartmentalize. Focus on one thing at a time; don’t get overwhelmed. Compartmentalize.” In the challenging world of politics, where I often juggle working with elected officials, planning events, and leading get-out-the-vote efforts—all while striving to be a good husband and team member— his advice has been invaluable. His lesson on compartmentalization has been the key to balancing it all.

Growing up with family, especially when they hold different political views, can be a constant source of lively debate (and entertaining Thanksgiving meals). Recently, I had a conversation with my family member about various Supreme Court decisions and the impact on our lives. Although we disagreed on whether the outcomes were ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ we found common ground in our shared desire for a better America and a more prosperous life for our friends and family. We realized that, despite our different political ideologies, we ultimately want the same things. At the end of the day our goals were ironically similar. Conversations like these remind me that even when we’re on opposite sides of the aisle, we often share the same goals—just different paths to get to them.

Whether it’s a coach who teaches life lessons beyond sports or a family member who helps you see the common ground we all share, I’m eternally grateful for those who have helped shape the person I am today.

Website: https://www.ColeMarting.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-marting/

Twitter: https://x.com/cole_marting

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cole_Marting

Image Credits
Aaren Cadieux

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