CNN Projects Victor Marx Will Secure GOP Nod for Colorado Governor
Victor Marx a self described high – Victor Marx, a Marine veteran known for his unorthodox statements, has been projected as the Republican nominee for Colorado governor by CNN’s Decision Desk. His campaign, which has sparked both admiration and doubt, hinges on a mix of personal anecdotes and bold assertions, including the claim that he was compelled to kill a man at age seven. Despite these dramatic narratives, Marx managed to outpace two more seasoned candidates, state Senator Barb Kirkmeyer and state Representative Scott Bottoms, who have publicly expressed reservations about his candidacy.
A Ministry Leader and Martial Arts Enthusiast
Marx’s persona blends spiritual leadership with a passion for martial arts, as he leads an anti-human trafficking initiative and practices “Cajun Karate.” His social media presence has amplified his reach, allowing him to connect with grassroots conservatives who appreciate his energetic style. However, his rivals have criticized him for lacking the conventional experience expected of a gubernatorial candidate.
“This is a battle of good and evil. This isn’t so much parties anymore,” Marx told the crowd at his election night gathering. “This is about Coloradans who care and want common sense, less government, stop the spending, get crime under control, let law enforcement do their job, make our state affordable, get people out of the addiction cycle. All these things that matter, that’s what we’ve talked about from the beginning. Our opponents have simply attacked me the entire time.”
Marx’s campaign has drawn scrutiny over claims that range from rescuing abuse victims to ordering an airstrike against ISIS. During an interview with 9News in May, he defended his accounts but often avoided specifics. When asked if the man he allegedly killed as a child was the only person he has ever taken a life, Marx hesitated before responding: “Well, I would say, as a child, yes.” He later added, “I’ve been in other situations where, you know, possibly, people or persons died as a result of me defending myself and other countries.”
Debate Fallout and Opposition Criticisms
Marx faced intense criticism during the sole debate he attended, where his GOP rivals intensified their attacks. Scott Bottoms, an evangelical pastor and state legislator since 2022, labeled him a “con man,” stating, “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.” Bottoms emphasized rural issues, parental rights, and cultural debates in his campaign.
Barb Kirkmeyer, a veteran of Colorado GOP politics and former Weld County commissioner, dismissed Marx as a “fraud.” “He makes up these tall tales, these tall stories, and I just don’t believe them,” she said. Directly addressing him, she added, “I can’t trust you. You’re unfit. You’re unqualified.”
Prayer and Spiritual Healing as Policy Tools
Marx has also positioned himself as a spiritual leader, asserting that hundreds of prayers he conducts have helped individuals break free from “demonic oppression.” While he distinguishes his work from exorcisms, he does not charge for the service, offering it in person and over the phone. When asked if he would continue these practices if elected governor, Marx responded, “I would never stop praying for people.”
His campaign website once boasted that “his teams have served over 45,000 women and children, many rescued from captivity and given a second chance at life.” That claim was later removed, with Marx attributing it to an independent contractor during the site’s initial development. When pressed for the exact number of people he has saved, he said, “There’s no need to” specify, citing “security reasons.”
