Victor Marx Leads Close Republican Primary for Colorado Governor

Minister Victor Marx was ahead of state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer in the Colorado Republican primary for governor, posting 39.9% of the vote to Kirkmeyer's 39.5% at 5 p.m. Wednesday, a margin of fewer than 2,000 votes. State Rep. Scott Bottoms trailed in third place with about 21% of the vote.

The contest remains too close to call, and officials said the final outcome may not be confirmed for several days as vote totals continue to be tallied. The winner will face Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser in the November general election. Republicans have not won a statewide race in Colorado since 2016, and the GOP candidate for governor lost by nearly 20 points in 2022.

Kirkmeyer, who had secured endorsements from former Governor Bill Owens, U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans and a local newspaper, was considered the establishment favorite but faced fundraising challenges. Marx, a Marine veteran and ministry leader residing near Colorado Springs, leveraged a strong social-media presence and his personal background to build campaign momentum.

The primary winner will succeed term-limited Gov. Jared Polis, whose term ends early next year.