Full Breakdown
Victor Marx Secures Colorado GOP Gubernatorial Nomination
7/10/2026, 10:03:12 PM
Primary Victory Details
On July 9, 2026 the Associated Press called the June 30 Republican primary for Colorado governor in favor of Marine veteran and ministry leader Victor Marx. Marx captured 39.9 % of the vote, edging state senator Barbara Kirkmeyer’s 39.4 % by roughly 2,500 votes—just enough to avoid an automatic recount. State representative Scott Bottoms finished a distant third with about 20.8 % of the ballot. The win positions Marx to face Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser in the November 3 general election. Colorado has not elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens won re-election in 2002.
Background and Controversial Biography
Marx, 61, is a former Marine who founded the Colorado-based nonprofit All Things Possible Ministries. The organization describes itself as a “high-risk humanitarian” effort that has allegedly conducted more than 150 missions in conflict zones, providing trauma relief and rescuing women and children. Campaign materials once claimed the group had served over 45,000 victims; the line was later removed and attributed to an “independent contractor.” Marx repeatedly tells a personal narrative that includes an abusive stepfather who forced him to kill a man at age 7, a claimed airstrike on ISIS militants, and “hundreds of prayers” to free people from “demonic oppression.” He has declined to provide details on most of these assertions.
Key Players in the Race
- Victor Marx – GOP nominee, ministry founder, first-time candidate.
- Barbara Kirkmeyer – State senator, former Weld County commissioner, endorsed by former Gov. Bill Owens and Rep. Gabe Evans.
- Scott Bottoms – State representative and evangelical pastor who labeled Marx a “con man.”
- Phil Weiser – Democratic Attorney General and November opponent.
- Lauren Boebert – U.S. Rep. who endorsed Marx.
- Dick Wadhams – Former Colorado GOP chair warning that Marx could damage other Republican races.
Vote Totals and Campaign Finance
Marx’s 39.9 % versus Kirkmeyer’s 39.4 % reflects a total of roughly 522,000 ballots cast. The margin of 2,500 votes kept the race outside the state’s recount trigger. Marx out-raised his rivals, reporting about $2.8 million in contributions and roughly $200,000 cash on hand in the final campaign stretch—more than double the combined totals of Kirkmeyer and Bottoms. All Things Possible Ministries’ recent tax filings show annual revenues exceeding $7 million, with $4.3 million earmarked for overseas activities, though the filings list no foreign offices or staff.
Implications for Colorado Politics
Marx’s outsider appeal and personality-driven campaign highlight an ongoing rift within the Colorado GOP between establishment figures and insurgent conservatives. His victory comes as the state remains solidly Democratic; the Cook Political Report rates the November contest as a “solid Democrat.” If Marx secures the governorship, it would be the first Republican win in two decades, but internal party dissent and questions about his fitness could influence down-ballot races.
Official Statements & Responses
Marx thanked volunteers in a social-media video, emphasizing “real work” on affordable housing, safety and health care. Kirkmeyer conceded defeat, noting she “still haven’t killed anyone.” Weiser warned that Marx’s “views and style are far out of step with Coloradans” and framed the race as a choice between “showing up, listening” and “deception, demonization and distraction.” Wadhams cautioned that Marx’s nomination could “undermine and in some cases absolutely destroy” Republican candidates in competitive legislative contests.
Criticism & Opposition
Bottoms called Marx “corrupt” and a “con man,” asserting he “lies… personally quite a few times.” Kirkmeyer described Marx’s narrative as “tall tales” and said she “cannot trust” him, labeling him “unfit” and “unqualified.” Both opponents pledged not to endorse him in the general election.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The ministry’s claim of rescuing 45,000 victims was later removed, with Marx attributing it to a contractor.
- No law-enforcement agency in Mississippi confirmed the alleged 7-year-old killing.
- The U.S. military, Kurdish forces and Israeli officials did not respond to requests to verify Marx’s alleged airstrike.
- Exact numbers of adults killed, if any, remain undisclosed; Marx answered “Does it matter?” when pressed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “THANK YOU, COLORADO. Because of you, your time, your door knocking, your phone calls, and your belief in something bigger than politics, we just won the Republican nomination for Governor. This victory belongs to every volunteer and supporter who refused to give up on our state. I am grateful beyond words. Now the real work begins. Colorado families are facing real challenges. High costs. Unaffordable housing and healthcare. Fears about unsafe neighborhoods and schools. Let's face it, Colorado has changed, and not for the better. But there is hope. We can unite and build a better, stronger Colorado for all of us. This isn't about a single political party. It's about a single, unified Colorado! The general election starts now. Let's go win it together.” — Victor Marx
- “From the little we know about Victor Marx, his views and style are far out of step with Coloradans, and his nomination for governor is a threat to our state’s values and our future.” — Phil Weiser
- “I also said he was corrupt and I also said he lies and he lied to me personally quite a few times, and so I stand by that. I can’t put somebody like that anymore than I can put a Democrat into the governor’s seat.” — Scott Bottoms
- “He makes up these tall tales, these tall stories, and I just don’t believe them,” — Barbara Kirkmeyer
- “I’m still proud of the campaign we ran … and, for the record, I still haven’t killed anyone.” — Barbara Kirkmeyer
What’s Next
Marx will campaign statewide against Weiser and independent candidate Greg Lopez ahead of the November 3 gubernatorial election. The race will test whether his unconventional background can overcome Colorado’s long-standing Democratic advantage.
