This past election, Republican state Rep. Greg Martin was re-elected to his district with a resounding 62% of votes, seemingly sending the message that District 26 is demanding the GOP’s legislative agenda: less gun restrictions, more measures against abortion and a robust crackdown on unauthorized immigration.
But that’s not how our democracy works. While Martin did win the election, 14,986 people in his district — 38% of the electorate — voted for his Democratic opponent Allison Gorman. Martin, when sworn in, promised to represent these voters as well, not just his supporters.
This isn’t to say that Martin is obligated to vote for legislation that he opposes. After all, elections do have consequences.
But Martin should, as any lawmaker who respects the oath of their office would, recognize the concern of his constituents. He should listen thoughtfully to any in his district, not just those who voted for him.
But as a recent email exchange between Martin and a constituent shows, he and an increasing number in the GOP don’t seem to care for differing viewpoints, especially when it comes to the right’s war on immigrants.