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Former Halo composer Marty O’Donnell loses election, then gets absolutely bodied by his opponent: ‘The fight is finished’
Former Halo composer Marty O’Donnell lost his 2026 bid for Nevada’s third congressional district to incumbent Democrat Susie Lee, after winning the Republican primary. Lee’s re-election came amid a wider Democratic victory in the US, making O’Donnell one of the night’s notable Republican defeats.
O’Donnell first ran for the seat in 2024, placing fourth in the Republican primary, then returned with Donald Trump’s support. His campaign warned about open borders, Marxism and the “woke left”, and accused Lee of corruption. After the result, Lee posted, “Enjoy your retirement”; O’Donnell responded angrily in the comments.
In short
- Susie Lee defeated Marty O’Donnell in Nevada’s third district.
- O’Donnell had won the Republican primary with Trump’s support.
- Lee’s “Enjoy your retirement” post drew an angry response.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
O’Donnell’s supporters could argue that his campaign gave voice to voters worried about immigration, progressive politics and Lee’s record, and that Trump’s backing reflected a desire for a sharper break with the incumbent. They may see Lee’s “Enjoy your retirement” post as needlessly taunting a defeated opponent, whatever the result.
The case against
Lee’s supporters could argue that voters chose to retain an incumbent they considered better suited to represent the district, rejecting O’Donnell’s campaign as framed around sweeping claims about borders, Marxism and alleged corruption. They may view her post as a pointed celebration after a clear electoral result, rather than a substantive response to his criticisms.
Explained simply
Nevada’s third congressional district is represented in the US House of Representatives, where members are elected by local voters. Susie Lee, a Democrat, has held the seat since 2019; Marty O’Donnell is a Republican best known for composing music for the Halo video games.
O’Donnell ran for the seat in 2024 but came fourth in the Republican primary, the contest that chooses a party’s candidate. He returned in 2026 with Donald Trump’s support, campaigning on immigration and opposition to what he called the “woke left”. The race mattered as part of a wider election contest over control of Congress and the direction of US politics.