Glamorous former belly dancer and mother-of-two who became only elected Democrat in the most Republican town in Texas goes to battle with right-wing Christians
A hairstylist, former belly dancer, and mother of two has led a rather unusual path to becoming the only Democrat elected in one of Texass most conservative towns.
A hairstylist, former belly dancer, and mother of two has led a rather unusual path to becoming the only Democrat elected in one of Texass most conservative towns.
Adrienne Quinn Martin, 46, known for her social media savvy and vibrant personality, uses her social media to shift between offering fashion advice and dissecting voter registration data.
Her ability to connect with different audiences appears to have made her both a beloved figure among progressives and something of a thorn in the side of local conservatives.
Ive lived many lives, Martin says, referring to her diverse experiences, which include everything from political activism to raising awareness about social justice issues in her small town.
Her expertise in using platforms including TikTok and Instagram has allowed her to rally a community of supporters who tune in for everything from tips on what style of jeans to wear to in-depth analysis of local political controversies.
Adrienne Quinn Martin, 46, known for her social media savvy and vibrant personality, uses her social media to shift between offering fashion advice and dissecting voter registration data
Martin has become the only Democrat to be elected in one of Texas s most conservative towns
Martins social media reach may not be enormous — just 50,000 on TikTok, 11,000 on X and a few thousand on Instagram — but her posts seem to have resonated, drawing attention from far beyond her rural Texas home.
In one viral post, Martin shared a clip from a school board meeting where she spoke out against banning LGBTQ+ and racially diverse books.
Some community members have developed an unhealthy obsession with book banning, Martin said at the meeting.
She suggested those pushing for bans wanted to prove [their] righteousness so that [they] can bring down the school district. Is that for the kids? Why the obsession with finding these books? Why is that your fantasy? Its weird.
Such activism has made Martin both a hero and a villain in Granbury, a small town of about 12,600 southwest of Dallas, where Christian conservatism runs deep, and Trump remains a popular figure.
Martins activism began years ago when a family member was denied health insurance because to a pre-existing condition.
From there, she grew more involved in local politics, eventually organizing a Black Lives Matter rally in a town where such a protest was almost unthinkable.
She also co-founded an LGBTQ+ support group, Granbury for All, which now has around 300 members.
Her efforts have placed her at the center of a growing movement for inclusivity in an area resistant to change.
In addition to her work in politics, Martin keeps busy as a hairstylist in Granburys Four Thirteen Salon.
Martin has a determined voice - and one that can make waves in even the most resistant communities
Martins activism began years ago when a family member was denied health insurance because to a pre-existing condition
This is Texas, Martin said to the LA Times. Everyone is armed, so you always have to keep that in mind. I get furious about an injustice that happens to someone else. Its a kind of a curse, to be honest.
I want to make this town a more friendly and inclusive place.
Her husband, a Granbury native, who asked not to be named, constantly worries about her safety, especially when she speaks out publicly.
The couple met 18 years ago on MySpace and have built a life together, although they are keenly aware of the hostile environment they navigate.
I support everything Adrienne does. My heads on a swivel whenever she goes out. Im looking here, looking there, to protect her. You never know when someone will do something stupid, he told the LA Times.
One of Martins most significant political achievements was her viral campaign to expose Texass voter registration issues.
She criticized the states complicated system, which misled people into thinking they were registered to vote online when they were not.
Her posts drew attention to the matter, leading to changes on the states website and marking a rare victory in her battle against voter suppression.
One of Martins most significant political achievements was her viral campaign to expose Texass voter registration issues
Martins role as an outspoken critic of the far right is not without risks - she has been harassed online, called derogatory names, and even received threats
Martins focus also extends to the local school board, where her efforts to combat book bans and censorship have caused friction with conservative residents.
She has become a well-known figure at school board meetings, often speaking out against those trying to remove books on LGBTQ+ themes or racial diversity.
Her sharp words, at one point calling some far-right residents obsession with banning books weird, have further solidified her reputation as a fierce advocate for progressive values.
Her commitment to inclusivity was put to the test when the HBO series Were Here brought its drag queen roadshow to Granbury.
The series appearance in the town, already divided over LGBTQ+ rights, sparked controversy, but Martin embraced the opportunity to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, even participating in a drag performance.
Martin donned a pink wig and embodied a Barbie-like character, which she said was a powerful moment of joy and resistance in a place not known for its acceptance of diversity.
Her determination to fight for progressive causes hasnt gone unnoticed.
Republicans dont like Adrienne at all. She gets in their face, said Sherry Johnson, president of the Texas Democratic Women of Hood County.
Yet Johnson credits Martin with reinvigorating local Democrats, noting how shes transformed from a nervous public speaker into a rock star of the local party.
Adrienne has come into her own. Shes a force that got Democrats involved again. I remember when she became party chair. She was a young woman. Inexperienced. She was nervous about public speaking. Thats all changed. Shes a rock star, Johnson said.
Martin has become a well-known figure at school board meetings, often speaking out against those trying to remove books on LGBTQ+ themes or racial diversity
Martine donned a pink wig and embodied a Barbie-like character, which she said was a powerful moment of joy and resistance in a place not known for its acceptance of diversity
Despite her political success, Martin remains a deeply polarizing figure. Some conservatives dismiss her as irrelevant, while others see her as a direct threat to their values.
Former Republican Party chair Steve Biggers, expressed a reluctant admiration for her, saying, God bless Adrienne, although we disagree on nearly everything.
She can be very radical, but shes in such a vast minority that people ignore her, added another Republican party official.
Even within her own party, Martin faces challenges.
Sexism remains an issue, with men often underestimating her capabilities or attempting to control her narrative.
You can change society if you have a message, even if youre part of a small community. But you have to watch your politics. Watch what you say, Martin told the Los Angeles Times.
One fellow party member even offered to write a column on her behalf, assuming she couldnt handle it, but Martin continues to carve her own path, confident in her ability to both communicate her message and make an impact.
Her focus now includes the infighting within the Republican Party itself, where far-right extremists and traditional conservatives battle for dominance.
Martin has occasionally supported moderate Republicans in local elections when it aligns with her goal of countering the far right - and not a bad a strategy in an area where Democrats are outnumbered.
Its more effective for Democrats and moderate Republicans to work together, said Martin. This is Granbury. You have to take a small win over nothing at all. The far-right wins on low-information voters. Just like Trump.
Though Granbury has a reputation as a conservative stronghold, the town is not immune to change.
Martin faces challenges with sexism remaining an issue as men often underestimate her capabilities or her attempting to control her narrative
The Hispanic population in the town is growing, and Martins efforts to bring attention to issues of race and sexuality reflect the shifting demographics.
Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality may be controversial currently, but Martin believes such changes are inevitable.
Diversity is coming, she says, and she intends to help usher it in, even if the road ahead is difficult.
Things like racism and transphobia p*** me off, said Martin. My mom said I was always like that. I didnt go to college and it took me awhile — years — to build up confidence.
But you dont have to be educated to get people to listen to you. I followed a need. I started thinking, Im good at this. I can help people. I know Im privileged too. Im a white, blond mom, she added.
In a recent victory, two far-right school board candidates lost their elections, thanks in part to a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans working together.
For Martin, such a small win is proof that progress is possible, even in the most challenging environments.
