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Marine Veteran Victor Marx Secures Colorado GOP Gubernatorial Nod

7/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Victor Marx, a Marine veteran and nonprofit founder, won the Colorado Republican gubernatorial nomination.
The Associated Press certified the June 30 primary on July 9, 2026, confirming Marx’s 39.9 % to Barb Kirkmeyer’s 39.4 % in a 2,500-vote margin above the 0.5 % recount threshold.
He will face Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser in the November 3 general election, a race Republicans have not won in over two decades.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, Republican incumbent Bill Owens won a second term, marking the last Republican victory for Colorado’s governorship. The GOP has since failed to win any statewide office, creating a 24-year gubernatorial drought. Victor Marx’s narrow primary win in 2026 sets up a contest with Democrat Phil Weiser that could end the streak.

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Story summary

Victor Marx, a Marine veteran and nonprofit founder, won the Colorado Republican gubernatorial nomination.
The Associated Press certified the June 30 primary on July 9, 2026, confirming Marx’s 39.9 % to Barb Kirkmeyer’s 39.4 % in a 2,500-vote margin above the 0.5 % recount threshold.
He will face Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser in the November 3 general election, a race Republicans have not won in over two decades.

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