Hardline Minister Victor Marx Edges Out Establishment in Colorado GOP Primary
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Minister Victor Marx, a religious conservative, narrowly leads state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer in Colorado's Republican gubernatorial primary, highlighting the party's continued shift away from moderate voices. Final results remain uncertified.
Minister Victor Marx, a hardline religious figure, was narrowly ahead of state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer in the Colorado Republican primary for governor, securing 39.9% of the vote to Kirkmeyer's 39.5% as of 5 p.m. Wednesday—a margin of fewer than 2,000 votes. State Rep. Scott Bottoms, another far-right candidate, trailed with about 21% of the vote.
The contest remains too close to call, with officials warning that the final outcome may not be confirmed for several days as ballots continue to be counted. The winner will face Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser in November, offering Colorado voters a stark choice between progressive leadership and the reactionary policies of the GOP. Republicans have not won a statewide race in Colorado since 2016, and their candidate for governor lost by nearly 20 points in 2022, reflecting the state’s rejection of right-wing extremism.
Kirkmeyer, the establishment favorite with endorsements from former Governor Bill Owens, U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, and a local newspaper, struggled to raise funds, demonstrating the waning influence of moderate Republicans. Marx, a Marine veteran and ministry leader from near Colorado Springs, exploited his social-media following and personal narrative to energize the party’s increasingly radical base.
The primary winner will succeed term-limited Gov. Jared Polis, whose progressive agenda has improved the lives of Coloradans and whose term ends early next year.
