Brad Martin officially became a candidate for the Republican nomination for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, District 82 seat. Martin filed his declaration of candidacy Wednesday morning at the State Capitol. The incumbent chose not to seek re-election making this an open seat.
Martin, a life-long Republican, said he understands what it takes to be an effective leader in the State Legislature.
The 41-year-old businessman said: “My background in business coupled with many years of community involvement gives me the necessary experience and political skills to be an effective voice for the people of House District 82. I bring to the table a career of service, and a reputation of trust and results. I have spent the last 18 years solving problems that matter to people. I shoot straight and am accountable to those that put their trust and faith in me.” Martin is owner and president of Fortis Insurance and Financial Services.
Martin said he has been laying the organizational groundwork for his campaign. “I made the decision to seek this office to represent the people of District 82 with honesty, integrity, and the desire to make a positive difference in reforming state government,” he added.
“Meeting as many voters as possible on their doorsteps will be my primary focus in the coming weeks leading up to the June 26th Republican Primary,” Martin said. He added that he and his wife, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, will work to be certain as many doors as possible are knocked during this campaign.
Martin said he has been humbled by the growing number of supporters he is receiving along with a strong outpouring of financial support.
Martin said there are many important issues facing Oklahoma – education, criminal justice reform, healthcare, transportation – all are predicated on having a stable state budget coupled with a vibrant economy and expanding workforce. “It is critical that we have lawmakers committed to dealing with the tough issues and finding real solutions rather than just posturing with political rhetoric during election years,” he said. “People are looking for lawmakers who have the political courage to do the right thing, not just the politically expedient thing. I believe the future of our state is too important to risk on political bickering and game playing,” Martin added.
A fourth generation Oklahoman, Martin grew up on a farm outside Cashion where he graduated high school and where his step-father was principal. Martin attended Southern Nazarene University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and Finance. After graduating in 2000, Martin co-founded his first business, HealthHistories, Inc. and the company developed software allowing patients to go online to access pertinent medical data from any computer worldwide. The company was recognized as an Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) award winner. Martin was also a Journal RecordInnovator of the Year award recipient.
Among his other business accomplishments, Martin was Senior Regional Sales Manager for Alcon Labs and then the National Director of Medical Sales for Worx 24, a medical software development company to hospitals and physician groups.
Martin also worked as an economic liaison with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under their Veterans Economic Communities Initiative helping service members find employment opportunities in Oklahoma. Prior to that Martin served as Chief Marketing Officer for Tri-State Industrial Group.
Among his community involvements, Martin serves as Chairman of the Board of Vizavance (formerly Present Blindness of Oklahoma). He is the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Astec Charter School. Martin also served as a member of the Advisory Board for Odyssey Leadership Academy.
He has served on the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board and is a member of Oklahoma Venture Forum and The Downtown Club of Oklahoma City. Martin is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City, Class 30. He is also a member of Oklahoma City Rotary, Club 29.
Martin’s wife, Jeanna, is a school psychologist with Westminster School in Oklahoma City. The couple have two children: Audrey, 10; and Blake, 6. They are active members of Crossings Community Church.