Devoted father of two, husband, Navy veteran, and fearless taxpayer champion. These are just a few ways to describe Aubrey Mayberry of Odessa, TX.

Mayberry’s story demonstrates how the simplest (and in some cases major) experiences in life can lead someone to discover their true passion and values. In Mayberry’s case, it began with watching Rush Limbaugh as a young child with his grandfather, and participating in high school debate that planted a seed for his future political activism. On September 11th, 2001, that seed would later blossom into a passion for preserving our freedoms – which he still exemplifies today. 12346322_1008568312515239_2524196049190748215_n

“After 9-11, I joined the military because I felt our way of life was under attack,” he said. “And after I got out of the military I realized that everything that has made this country great was under attack. [Getting involved politically] was a natural step to stand and fight here at home.”

Mayberry’s activism became a regular part of his life following the military and during the open carry movement in 2013, where he would participate in local walks to raise awareness about the importance of gun rights. Now, he is heavily involved in Ector County’s Republican Party as a Precinct Chair, member of the Ector County Republican Women, and as a member of the Ector County Executive Committee.

On his own, Mayberry frequently attends local government meetings, is always encouraging political involvement, and keeps friends updated on local government news and hearings via social media. “I want people to understand that the lives of celebrities have no actual effect on them and that the actions of their elected officials have a massive effect,” he said. “Anyone who is not a political person is just sticking their head in the sand…and doing that doesn’t make politics go away. It effects everyone.”

As a father of two, his motivation for political activism now goes hand in hand with his desire to ensure a better future for his son and daughter. “I want to make this country into something my children can be proud of again, and I believe that starts at the local level. If we cannot get a hold of spending at our local level how can we expect to fix it at the state or even national levels?”

Participating in local government is the easiest way to hold elected officials accountable and Mayberry’s involvement demonstrates firsthand how paying attention, showing up, and courageously speaking out can actually make a difference.

Most recently, he attended and spoke at the Ector County Hospital Board’s public hearing on a proposed tax increase. Through his participation and persistence, as well as many others, the tax hike was defeated and the board chose to move future public hearings to 5:30pm, instead of 4pm, so more residents could attend.

Although politics may seem like his profession, Mayberry is also a talented multi-tasker. He serves as a Pump Operator for an acidizing company in the Permian Basin and is heavily involved in his children’s sports activities- including the Permian Basin Youth Football League. As a former weapons instructor for the Navy, he also enjoys teaching friends and family responsible firearm handling and visiting the gun range. Mayberry’s wife, Kelli, is a substitute teacher, his son, Austin, enjoys science and debate, and his daughter, Acelin, plays tackle football.

Lauren Melear

Lauren Melear leads the West Texas Bureau of Texas Scorecard. When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog, as well as cooking, working out, traveling to the hill country, and cheering on the fightin' Texas Aggies.

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