Victor Marx has secured the Republican nomination for Colorado governor, narrowly defeating state Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer in a race that concluded more than a week after Election Day. The close contest, decided by 2,516 votes, has been followed by lingering controversy, with Kirkmeyer issuing a parting jab at Marx.
"Now the voters will make the final decision in November, and I hope they choose the path that is best for Colorado," Kirkmeyer stated after conceding. "I’m still proud of the campaign we ran... and, for the record, I still haven’t killed anyone."
Kirkmeyer's remark directly references questions surrounding Marx's past statements, particularly his inability to definitively answer how many people he has killed during a debate. Marx has previously stated that as a child, his stepfather forced him to kill a man. He has described this as part of his experience surviving childhood trauma, but critics have questioned his responses on the matter.
Marx, addressing supporters via X, emphasized his intent to appeal beyond the Republican base. He spoke about his vision for Colorado, arguing the state has strayed from its founding principles, and highlighted the state's fentanyl crisis. He called for greater accountability from the government and a return of funds to Coloradans.
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Marx is set to face Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser in the November election. Weiser issued a statement characterizing Marx's views as out of step with Colorado residents and a threat to the state's values and future. He contrasted Marx's approach with his own commitment to showing up, listening, and fighting for the rights of all Coloradans, accusing Marx of employing "deception, demonization, and distraction."
Weiser's reference to "demonization" appears to allude to Marx's theological discussions, including his views on demons being real and actively deceiving people. Marx, who has identified as a former military veteran and an evangelist, has argued that Christians have the authority to cast out demons.
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The general election contest is expected to draw attention to Marx's background, a topic that is likely to remain a significant issue. Colorado has not had a Republican governor since Bill Owens, who served from 1999 to 2007, indicating a challenging landscape for Marx in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent statewide elections.
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