Full Breakdown
Scott Bottoms Secures Top Spot in Colorado GOP Gubernatorial Primary
4/12/2026, 7:57:30 AM
Primary Election Results and Candidates
State Representative Scott Bottoms has secured the leading position on the Republican primary ballot for Colorado governor, achieving 45% of the votes at the party's state assembly held in Pueblo. Bottoms outperformed fellow candidate Victor Marx, who garnered 39%. Both candidates will appear on the primary ballot scheduled for June 30, 2026. A total of eleven candidates competed for ballot access, with the assembly's voting process marred by discrepancies, including 80 more ballots cast than delegates credentialed. The party ultimately accepted these additional votes as legitimate.
Background on Candidates
Scott Bottoms, a conservative figure in the Colorado legislature, has been vocal about his opposition to abortion and has embraced various controversial political stances, including election conspiracies. He is also the lead pastor at the evangelical Church at Briargate. In his nomination speech, Bottoms emphasized government transparency, plans to build nuclear reactors, and mining for lithium and uranium. He stated, “I’m going to reclaim parenthood and childhood for all Coloradans,” highlighting his focus on family values.
Victor Marx, a former Marine and founder of the nonprofit All Things Possible, also qualified for the primary ballot. He has expressed concerns over issues such as children in locker rooms and business regulations, asserting, “We need a leader,” as he aims to address these challenges. Marx has also pledged to advocate for the release of Tina Peters, a former Mesa County clerk convicted of election-related offenses.
Criticism and Opposition
While Bottoms and Marx have garnered support, there are dissenting voices within the party. Some delegates, like Melissa Batt, believe Marx has a better chance against Democrats in the general election, citing his disciplined approach and trustworthiness. Additionally, state Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, who is also running for governor, opted to bypass the assembly process by submitting signatures, indicating a more moderate stance that may appeal to a broader electorate.
Official Statements and Responses
Bottoms' supporters celebrated his victory, with enthusiastic reactions during the announcement of results. He remarked, “This is our year. This is the year we’re going to do this,” reflecting the optimism among his base. Conversely, Marx's supporters have raised concerns about the direction of the party and the need for a candidate who can effectively challenge Democratic incumbents.
What's Next
The upcoming primary election on June 30 will determine which Republican candidate will face off against the Democratic nominee, likely either U.S. Senator Michael Bennet or Attorney General Phil Weiser. The Republican Party has not held the governorship since Bill Owens in 2002, and the stakes are high as they aim to reverse a trend of electoral losses in statewide offices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The assembly faced significant delays and procedural issues, including the acceptance of overvotes, which has raised questions about the integrity of the voting process. While the party leadership has stated there was no fraud, the discrepancies highlight potential vulnerabilities in the electoral process that could affect future elections.
