Endorsement Discrepancy and GOP Unity Efforts After Victor Marx Wins Colorado GOP Gubernatorial Primary

Victor Marx, a ministry leader and former Marine, claimed on the Jeff and Bill Show on 710 KNUS that former Governor Bill Owens had called to endorse him, saying, “I got a call yesterday that he’s endorsing me.” Owens later told *The Colorado Sun* via text that he has not decided on an endorsement, noting he had previously supported Barb Kirkmeyer and would need “to see Marx’s campaign for the next month or so … after which I will make a decision.” Marx’s campaign manager Buddy Jericho said Marx was relaying information from a trusted intermediary and that Owens “has not yet made an endorsement and remains in the process of evaluating the campaign.”

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The Colorado Republican Party posted, “The voters of Colorado have spoken,” and added that it “looks forward to working with Victor Marx and our entire Republican ticket in the months ahead.” In parallel, Marx’s campaign circulated a “unity compact” asking fellow GOP candidates to pledge not to launch public attacks on each other. U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans announced on KNUS that he would “support the Republican candidate for governor, whoever happens to come out of the primary,” and later tweeted, “We must unite as Republicans and vote red up and down the ballot this November.”

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During a May 26 debate, state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and Rep. Scott Bottoms warned they would not support Marx if he secured the nomination, labeling him “unfit to be governor” and a “con man,” respectively. After Marx’s primary win, some Republicans continued to withhold support, citing his “extraordinary, sensational and, in many cases, uncorroborated personal backstory,” including claims of a childhood killing and performing exorcisms.

Colorado Sun

• “I got a call yesterday that he’s endorsing me,” — Victor Marx, radio interview

Colorado Sun

• “At that time, I told him I had endorsed and was supporting Barb Kirkmeyer for governor.” — Bill Owens, text message

Colorado Sun

• “Gov. Owens has now clarified that he has not yet made an endorsement and remains in the process of evaluating the campaign,” — Buddy Jericho, campaign manager

Colorado Sun

• “We must unite as Republicans and vote red up and down the ballot this November.,??” — Gabe Evans, X post

Colorado Times Recorder

• “The Colorado Republican Party looks forward to working with Victor Marx and our entire Republican ticket in the months ahead to give Coloradans a clear choice this November.” — Colorado Republican Party, Facebook statement

Colorado Times Recorder