Marvin Robinson spent several years in the United States Navy as an operations specialist before transitioning to community work in Wyandotte County, Kansas. He attended Emporia State University and Temple University but did not complete his degree. Robinson has been involved in advocating for the preservation and study of the Quindaro Townsite. His career included a significant role in state politics, where he was elected to represent District 35 of the Kansas House of Representatives. In 2023, Robinson broke ranks with his party to support restrictive legislation on transgender rights, abortion access, and food stamp eligibility.

Marvin Robinson's political career reveals a complex ideological landscape, blending unexpected alliances with a focus on local historical preservation. His legislative record shows an unusual convergence with Republicans on social issues like restricting transgender rights, abortion access, and food stamps, suggesting a highly localized approach to policymaking. Robinson's strategic decisions, such as providing the crucial vote to override a veto in exchange for state funding, highlight a calculated method of balancing regional interests with legislative action.