---
title: "Nevada Candidate's Forum Linked to Racist Content, AP Finds"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/nevada-candidates-forum-linked-to-racist-content-ap-finds"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/nevada-candidates-forum-linked-to-racist-content-ap-finds"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/nevada-candidates-forum-linked-to-racist-content-ap-finds.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/nevada-candidates-forum-linked-to-racist-content-ap-finds"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-10-17T16:05:28.704Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-17T13:08:29.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-18T16:45:28.188Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 60
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-19T14:09:43.320Z"
---

# Nevada Candidate's Forum Linked to Racist Content, AP Finds

*An Associated Press review of thousands of posts on 'The Marty Army' forum revealed slurs and extremist theories.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to the Associated Press review, and the reporting is corroborated by 19 other outlets.
- Craft 60 of 100, higher is better. The reporting clearly separates fact from comment and provides specific details about the forum's content.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. The language used is measured and proportionate to the story's content.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- An Associated Press review of thousands of posts on the online forum 'The Marty Army' between 2022 and 2026 found racial slurs, minimizations of Nazi Germany, and defenses of white nationalist conspiracy theories.
- Marty O'Donnell, a Nevada Republican candidate for Congress, controls the forum and has used it to solicit campaign funds.
- A former group member stated that the popular sentiment in the forum was that slavery should be legal.
- O'Donnell's campaign spokesman stated that the campaign has banned nearly 200 users for hateful rhetoric since becoming aware of the issue in the spring.

An Associated Press review of thousands of posts on an online forum controlled by Nevada Republican congressional candidate Marty O'Donnell found racial slurs, minimizations of Nazi Germany, and defenses of white nationalist conspiracy theories. The forum, known as 'The Marty Army,' has also been used to solicit campaign funds.

O'Donnell, a composer for the 'Halo' video game franchise, has used the forum to rally supporters for his campaign against incumbent Democrat Susie Lee. A former group member, Deacon Dameron, told the AP that the prevailing sentiment on the forum was that slavery should be legal. Dameron stated he was banned from the forum after calling another user a 'dork'.

O'Donnell's campaign spokesman, Keith Schipper, stated that the campaign has banned nearly 200 users for hateful rhetoric since becoming aware of the issue in the spring. Schipper added that a staffer has been dedicated to monitoring and removing racist and antisemitic content. He also said that some posts had been missed over the years.

## Disagreements in reporting

The Washington Top News report stated that O'Donnell's campaign denied he dressed up as Benito Mussolini, stating that a mask worn to a Halloween party nearly two decades ago was not labeled as Mussolini's and was purchased because it was 'ugly and creepy.' The campaign claimed O'Donnell jokingly referred to it as a 'Mussolini mask' years later because it vaguely resembled the dictator.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left, centre, or right-rated reports printed below mention the specific date range of the Associated Press review, which spanned from 2022 to 2026. The full report from Washington Top News stated that O'Donnell has referred to himself as the forum's 'benevolent dictator' and that the campaign held a two-day event for forum members including a video game tournament and panel discussions. These details were not present in the digests of other outlets.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 37 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 46% (17)
- Centre: 38% (14)
- Right: 16% (6)

2 of 39 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-19T14:09:43.320Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 6 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-19T21:00:48.988Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Nine left-rated reports led on the Associated Press review finding racial slurs, minimizations of Nazi Germany, and defenses of white nationalist conspiracy theories on the online forum controlled by Nevada Republican congressional candidate Marty O'Donnell. These reports highlighted that O'Donnell controls the forum and uses it to solicit campaign cash. Several mentioned a former group member's statement that the popular sentiment was that slavery should be legal. The campaign's response, including banning users and dedicating a staffer to monitor content, was also noted. Some reports included details about O'Donnell's background as a composer for the 'Halo' video game franchise and his campaign against Susie Lee.

### Centre

- All twelve centre‑rated outlets ran a story about an Associated Press review of the online discussion group used by Nevada congressional candidate Marty O’Donnell. The review found posts that included racial slurs, attempts to downplay Nazi Germany and support for white‑nationalist conspiracy theories. Ten outlets presented this information in a short digest, while two published full articles.
- The Medicine Hat News and Washington Top News pieces added background on O’Donnell, noting his previous work composing music for the Halo video‑game series and his self‑described role as the forum’s “benevolent dictator”. Both reports quoted the campaign spokesman saying a staff member monitors the forum, that roughly two hundred users have been banned, and reiterated O’Donnell’s strong support for Israel and his endorsement by former President Donald Trump.
- The digests from the remaining ten centre outlets did not include any of the campaign‑specific details found in the full reports. They omitted mention of O’Donnell’s video‑game composing career, the “benevolent dictator” description, the staff monitoring effort, the ban count, his Israel stance, the Trump endorsement and the broader election context.

### Right

- Two right-rated reports highlighted the Associated Press review finding racial slurs, minimizations of Nazi Germany, and defenses of white nationalist conspiracy theories on the online forum controlled by Nevada Republican congressional candidate Marty O'Donnell. These reports noted that O'Donnell's campaign stated it has banned nearly 200 users for hateful rhetoric since becoming aware of the issue in the spring and has dedicated a staffer to monitor and remove such content. The campaign's denial regarding O'Donnell dressing as Mussolini was also included. The reports mentioned O'Donnell's background as a 'Halo' composer and his congressional race.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 3
- high: 18
- unknown: 2
- veryHigh: 16

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [DCCC](https://dccc.org/was-hitler-really-an-evil-guy-heil-hitler-nazis-did-some-good-things-marty-odonnells-discord-server-full-of-slurs-an) — “Was Hitler Really An Evil Guy?” “Heil Hitler,” Nazis “Did Some Good Things”: Marty O’Donnell’s Discord Server Full of “Slurs and Nazi Talk” [Associated Press]
- [Daily Kos](https://dailykos.com/stories/2026/10/19/800113628/elections/gop-candidate-tries-to-shed-trump-stink) — Another GOP candidate desperately tries to shed the Trump stink
- [VINnews](https://vinnews.com/2026/10/18/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds) — Online Forum Controlled By Nevada GOP House Candidate Contains Slurs And Nazi Talk, Ap Review Finds
- [Sentinel Colorado](https://sentinelcolorado.com/nation-world/nation/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Las Vegas Sun](https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/oct/17/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candid) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Las Vegas Review-Journal](https://reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds-3901477) — Nevada GOP House candidate’s online forum rife with slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/11229315/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/entertainment/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Newsday](https://newsday.com/long-island/politics/marty-odonnell-nevada-congress-halo-discord-antisemitism-p41982) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/lifestyle/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds-12905402) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/lifestyle/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds-12905402) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Medicine Hat News](https://medicinehatnews.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2026/10/17/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Loonie Politics](https://looniepolitics.com/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/lifestyle/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds-12905402) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/republican-congress-marty-benito-mussolini-nazi-b3068535.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/marty-odonnell-nevada-congress-halo-discord-antisemitism-fc43599012f7f4cfaf90410dff9af9c8) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/10/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds – WTOP News
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/republican-congress-marty-benito-mussolini-nazi-b3068535.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Daily Record](https://dailyrecordnews.com/ap_news/politics/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_dd497e03-f3e9-5f2f-adac-08221a30bbe2.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [The EagleHerald](https://ehextra.com/news/nation_world/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_92f31fd5-0b3a-501c-8554-85cba719beae.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [union-bulletin.com](https://union-bulletin.com/news/national/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_0d844c39-e256-57fb-b32a-5c28bbe4f999.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [KULR-TV](https://kulr8.com/news/national/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_00c0acc4-8062-5331-90f1-117bafb53145.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_4e292e18-b3af-5a23-9bb8-a1b19bef0377.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [KHQ Right Now](https://khq.com/politics/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_3605ae6a-2465-57c6-8a00-5a57ebcf016b.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [El Paso Inc.](https://elpasoinc.com/news/ap_wire/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_de1c18d7-c1fa-5261-973b-765c487a1dc9.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [McAlester News-Capital](https://mcalesternews.com/region/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_63df7a34-4928-5df9-b492-6c4717fe0d0e.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [The Northern Virginia Daily](https://nvdaily.com/associated_press_national/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_f14be981-c3c6-5fd5-8945-fcf0ed3ba83f.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Kokomo Tribune](https://kokomotribune.com/news/nation_world_news/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_ae4f8407-ed82-5409-a2db-bb4f3963d294.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Weatherford Democrat](https://weatherforddemocrat.com/texas/news/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_8be252cc-fcbe-5476-ac3b-4446f7d75702.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [The Daily Sentinel](https://dailysentinel.com/anpa/state/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_d4065f7c-8778-5fae-8b63-28ea2887554f.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Jonesboro Sun](https://jonesborosun.com/news/national/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_d2cb73f0-09a4-5166-ae86-6f3f108859c0.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Goshen News](https://goshennews.com/news/national_news/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_eed41a57-c10d-5a4c-af49-15dbcef30501.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Daily News-Record](https://dnronline.com/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_77d369cf-d2c0-5ddc-a78b-9aa46b2603db.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [plaindealerin.com](https://plaindealerin.com/news/regional/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_f63d530d-5176-5454-a4a3-5e01a936b74c.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/Entertainment/wireStory/online-forum-controlled-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-137344424) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [MY Northwest](https://mynorthwest.com/national/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds/4287406) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/2026/10/17/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-finds) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer](https://messenger-inquirer.com/ap/entertainment/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review/article_87178307-4647-5ba2-af0a-68688f9231bf.html) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/online-forum-controlled-by-nevada-gop-house-candidate-contains-slurs-and-nazi-talk-ap-review-find) — Online forum controlled by Nevada GOP House candidate contains slurs and Nazi talk, AP review finds

## Questions

**What did the Associated Press review find about Marty O'Donnell's online forum?**

An Associated Press review of thousands of posts on 'The Marty Army' forum between 2022 and 2026 found racial slurs, minimizations of Nazi Germany, and defenses of white nationalist conspiracy theories. The forum is controlled by Nevada Republican congressional candidate Marty O'Donnell.

**What has Marty O'Donnell's campaign said about the content on the forum?**

O'Donnell's campaign spokesman stated that the campaign has banned nearly 200 users for hateful rhetoric since becoming aware of the issue in the spring. The campaign claims to have dedicated a staffer to monitor and remove such content, acknowledging that some posts may have been missed.

**What is the popular sentiment expressed in the forum, according to a former member?**

A former group member, Deacon Dameron, stated that the popular sentiment in the forum was that slavery should be legal. Dameron, who was banned from the forum, also indicated that users sometimes relied on coded language to avoid moderator scrutiny.

**What is Marty O'Donnell's background?**

Marty O'Donnell is a Nevada Republican candidate for Congress. Before entering politics, he was an award-winning music composer for the popular 'Halo' video game franchise. He has used his online forum, 'The Marty Army,' to solicit campaign funds.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/nevada-candidates-forum-linked-to-racist-content-ap-finds. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Nevada Candidate's Forum Linked to Racist Content, AP Finds", https://mediabias.news/politics/nevada-candidates-forum-linked-to-racist-content-ap-finds