Full Breakdown
Victor Marx Wins Colorado GOP Gubernatorial Primary in Nail-Biting Finish
7/10/2026, 6:51:41 PM
Core Event
On June 30, 2026, Colorado held its Republican primary for governor. After a protracted count of outstanding ballots, the Associated Press called the race for Marine veteran Victor Marx on July 9. Marx secured 206,518 votes (39.9 %) to state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer’s 204,556 votes (39.4 %). State Rep. Scott Bottoms trailed in third with roughly 20 % of the vote. The margin of 2,524 votes is just above Colorado’s automatic-recount threshold of .5 % of the winner’s total.
Background & Context
Colorado has not elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens in 1999, and the 2026 race follows term-limited Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. Kirkmeyer entered the primary with establishment backing and a long record in Weld County politics, while Marx, a political newcomer, built a fundraising lead and a social-media-driven campaign. The GOP’s internal divisions intensified after the primary, with both Kirkmeyer and Bottoms publicly stating they would not endorse Marx.
Key Figures & Groups
- Victor Marx – Former Marine, founder of the faith-based nonprofit All Things Possible Ministries, self-described “high-risk humanitarian.”
- Barbara Kirkmeyer – State senator, former Weld County commissioner, longtime GOP operative.
- Scott Bottoms – State representative, evangelical pastor, criticized Marx as a “con man.”
- Phil Weiser – Democratic Attorney General, slated to face Marx in the November 3 general election.
- Greg Lopez – Former Republican congressman running as an unaffiliated candidate.
Data & Statistics
- Total ballots cast: ~522,000.
- Vote totals: Marx 206,518; Kirkmeyer 204,556; Bottoms ?108,000.
- Percentages: Marx 39.9 %; Kirkmeyer 39.4 %; Bottoms 20.8 %.
- Recount deadline: July 24, 2026, if the gap falls below .5 % of the winner’s total.
Official Statements & Responses
Marx emphasized election transparency, saying he “chooses to believe the best while also recognizing the importance of accountability” and pledged experienced attorneys and recount watchers if needed. He added that, should Kirkmeyer win, he would “have my full support in defeating Phil Weiser.” Kirkmeyer thanked volunteers, framed the race as “about the future of our state,” and urged voters to “choose the path that is best for Colorado.” Democratic nominee Phil Weiser warned that Marx’s “views and style are far out of step with Coloradans” and framed the contest as a choice between “showing up, listening” and “deception, demonization.”
Criticism & Opposition
Kirkmeyer labeled Marx a “fraud” who “makes up these tall tales.” Bottoms called him a “con man” and accused him of lying repeatedly. Media scrutiny highlighted Marx’s unverified claim that his teams had served “over 45,000 women and children,” a figure later removed from his campaign site. Questions about Marx’s childhood claim of killing a man at age 7 and his vague references to ordering an ISIS airstrike remain unanswered.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The 45,000 rescue figure was posted then deleted; Marx attributed it to an “independent contractor” but offered no concrete numbers.
- Marx’s statements about killing as an adult were evasive (“Does it matter?”) and lacked corroboration.
- Details of the alleged ISIS rescue mission and airstrike have not been independently verified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you’re frustrated, skeptical, or wondering if anything can actually change,” — Victor Marx
- “Does it matter?” — Victor Marx (in response to a question about adult killings)
- “I’m still proud of the campaign we ran … and, for the record, I still haven’t killed anyone.” — Barbara Kirkmeyer
- “In a statement following Marx's projected win on Thursday, Weiser said: "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
What’s Next
The November 3 general election will pit Marx against Weiser, with independent Greg Lopez also on the ballot. If the final certified margin remains under .5 %, a recount will be ordered by July 24. Both campaigns are already mobilizing for the statewide contest, while the Colorado GOP grapples with internal fractures over the primary outcome.
