{"id":2619813,"date":"2026-06-27T06:34:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T10:34:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/who-is-victor-marx-colorados-top-gop-gubernatorial-candidate\/"},"modified":"2026-06-27T06:38:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T10:38:13","slug":"who-is-victor-marx-colorados-top-gop-gubernatorial-candidate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/who-is-victor-marx-colorados-top-gop-gubernatorial-candidate\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is Victor Marx, Colorado&#8217;s top GOP gubernatorial candidate?"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fwho-is-victor-marx-colorados-top-gop-gubernatorial-candidate%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2619813&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Victor Marx, a Marine veteran and founder of All Things Possible, is running for Colorado governor as a Republican candidate aiming to flip the seat blue. leading in polls ahead of the June 30 primary, Marx positions himself as an outsider with a compelling personal story. He experienced childhood abuse, was involved in drugs, and later joined the Marines, dedicating himself to humanitarian work rescuing trafficked women and children, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Marx has garnered attention for his claims of having been forced to kill a man as a child, and he emphasizes overcoming victimhood through resilience and faith.<\/p>\n<p>His policy priorities include improving affordability, public safety, and limiting taxes and fees. He advocates for tax credits for industries like manufacturing, clean tech, and outdoor recreation, along with audits and reforms to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/us-budget-deficit-tops-1-6-trillion-amid-lower-tax-revenue-higher-spending\/\" title=\"US budget deficit exceeds .6 trillion due to reduced taxes and increased spending.\">curb excessive government spending<\/a>. Marx emphasizes protecting Colorado\u2019s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/these-democrats-once-said-you-shouldnt-raise-taxes-during-a-recession-and-now-they-are\/\" title=\"These Democrats Once Said You Shouldn&#039;t Raise Taxes During a Recession - And Now They Are\">opposing tax increases<\/a> without voter approval, and implementing regulatory reforms to foster economic growth and housing affordability, including fast-tracking permit processes. He proposes regulating data centers with performance-based incentives and conducting state agency audits to control spending.<\/p>\n<p>If elected, Marx would prioritize reducing Medicaid waste, lowering property taxes, and minimizing government interference to enhance housing affordability. He favors bipartisan cooperation to address core issues like safety, education, and economic progress. Despite Colorado\u2019s history of electing democrats, Marx remains confident in his ability to win by focusing on experience and addressing pressing state problems.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/military\/\">Marine<\/a> veteran Victor Marx is angling to clinch the Republican Party\u2019s primary nomination next week as he campaigns to become <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/colorado\/\">Colorado\u2019s<\/a> next governor and flip the seat blue. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Polls indicate Marx holds a<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/polls\/colorado-governor-election-polls-2026.html\"> decisive lead<\/a> over GOP rivals State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and state Rep. Scott Bottoms ahead of the June 30 primary election, as the field of candidates vie to succeed outgoing Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO). Both Kirkmeyer and Bottoms say they won\u2019t support Marx\u2019s campaign against Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) or\u00a0Attorney General Phil Weiser, if the Republican wins the nomination, framing him as an unqualified \u201ccon man\u201d who tells \u201ctall tales.\u201d<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4626762\/recalled-avenal-california-city-council-members-refuse-leave-legal-battle\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Recalled California city council members dig in as legal battle escalates<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4626276\/california-billionaire-tax-proposal-voters-newsom-national\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>California\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/californias-billionaire-tax-proposal-heads-to-voters\/\" title=\"California&#039;s billionaire tax proposal heads to voters\">billionaire tax proposal heads<\/a> to voters as Newsom pushes national wealth tax<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4626248\/wes-moore-plans-july-fourth-speech-counter-programming-trump\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Wes Moore plans July 4th speech as counter-programming to Trump: \u2018Nation of sacrifice\u2019<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<h2 id=\"h-where-did-marx-come-from-from-child-abuse-victim-to-candidate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where did Marx come from? From child abuse victim to candidate<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marx, 60,\u00a0is endorsed by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). He has positioned himself as the outsider in the group, as his gubernatorial bid marks his first run for public office. A ministry leader from Colorado Springs, Marx says he was abused as a child and fell into drugs before joining the Marines, and later started an international ministry designed to rescue \u201cwomen and children who have been held captive by traffickers and other abusers.\u201d <\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He garnered attention during his campaign for stating that his stepfather forced him to kill a man when he was a 7-year-old child. Marx <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cpr.org\/2026\/05\/20\/colorado-gop-governor-primary-candidates\/\">told<\/a> CPR News that the incident occurred in a rural area of Mendenhall, Mississippi. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYes, I was made to shoot a man who I watched get buried, and that affected me deeply most of my life,\u201d he said. \u201cWhich is why I went to 123 visits to a trauma specialist. And I\u2019ve been on Depakote, Depakine, Prozac, so I\u2019ve been on the medications. But I think I\u2019m living proof that you can rise above being a victim and be victorious.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While he was politically unknown before launching his gubernatorial bid, Marx built a notable profile as the founder of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/atpministries.org\/\">All Things Possible<\/a> and amassed a large following on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/victormarx\/\">social media<\/a>. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nonprofit humanitarian ministry leads trauma response operations, along with \u201chigh-risk\u201d rescue missions helping thousands of women and children trafficked in Northern Africa and the Middle Eastern nations, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.denverpost.com\/2026\/06\/11\/victor-marx-colorado-governor-race-profile\/?utm_campaign=mrf-twitter-denverpost&#038;utm_source=twitter&#038;utm_medium=social&#038;mrfcid=202606146a2c60506636c64f6b34d9ee\">such as Syria<\/a>, and delivers dried milk and toys to war-torn, impoverished nations such as Iraq and Haiti, according to Marx.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Critics say Marx has <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.denvergazette.com\/2026\/05\/29\/questions-still-unanswered-swirl-around-victor-marx-jimmy-sengenberger\/\">intentionally overblown<\/a> rescue numbers and overstated his role in helping victims. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHere\u2019s the total number of kids I\u2019ve rescued: not enough,\u201d Marx said when pressed on the issue during a gubernatorial debate on June 2. \u201cFor folks who want to pigeonhole me on stuff that will absolutely cause safety issues for our teams still out there, I won\u2019t do it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI can\u2019t help it if I\u2019ve had an extraordinary life,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m an ordinary fella, and starting from my childhood all the way to now, me standing up on a stage running for governor.\u201d <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-his-policies\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are his policies?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marx has said his<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kunc.org\/politics\/2026-06-12\/governor-candidate-conversations-victor-marx\"> top three priorities<\/a> are affordability, public safety, and targeting taxes and fees. The Republican candidate wants to prioritize three industries \u2014 advanced manufacturing, clean-tech production, and outdoor recreation \u2014 through tax credits and expedited permitting, among other policies. Some of his signature promises center on targeting state spending he believes has helped trigger a cost-of-living crisis, including by conducting expansive audits of state agencies.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this month, Marx vowed to restore the spirit of Colorado\u2019s taxpayer bill of rights, which was enshrined into law decades ago and requires voter approval for all tax increases. He expressed concern that bureaucrats have found loopholes to essentially raise taxes by instituting fees and other practices that allow them to avoid TABOR. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs governor, I will treat TABOR not as a hurdle, but as a promise,\u201d he wrote in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.summitdaily.com\/opinion\/opinion-marx-if-elected-heres-my-plan-to-restore-tabor-and-respect-for-colorados-taxpayers\/\">an op-ed<\/a> in the<em> Summit Daily<\/em>. \u201cI will oppose any effort, whether through amendments, statutes, or budget maneuvers, that weakens voter approval for higher taxes. If politicians want more of your money, they should make their case to you directly.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cColoradans are working too much, they\u2019re receiving too little pay, and they\u2019re being taxed by an overspending government that the only way the government can keep up with what\u2019s going on is to pass on their habitual addictive spending patterns to us, the people,\u201d Marx<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kunc.org\/politics\/2026-06-12\/governor-candidate-conversations-victor-marx\"> later told<\/a> KUNC. \u201cI\u2019m telling you, Coloradans are sick of it. The pain point is so high that that\u2019s exactly why they\u2019re going to elect me.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He favors a freeze on regulations and a cap on property taxes to help incentivize growth and help expand housing affordability. Marx believes that by doing so, 150,000 new homes can be constructed by expediting building permits through a one-stop shop, giving permitting agencies a 90-day limit for consideration and offering automatic approval if the clock runs out. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap wex-ad-art-dsk-inart-5\" style=\"min-height:90px\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" hidden>Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-26\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe have to reform some laws to make it reasonable and common sense,\u201d Marx said at the May 28 \u201cBuilding Colorado\u2019s Future\u201d gubernatorial forum. \u201cYou do that, and then you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/how-the-u-s-could-win-the-chips-war-against-china\/\" title=\"How the U.S. Could Win the Chips War Against China\">fast-track permitting<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h-what-would-it-look-like-if-marx-wins-data-centers-and-more\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What would it look like if Marx wins? Data centers and more<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marx offered a more extensive outlook on policies he would pursue if elected during <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradosun.com\/2026\/06\/06\/barbara-kirkmeyer-scott-bottoms-victor-marx-colorado-primary-election-gop-governor-issue-guide\/#unaffiliated-voters\">an interview<\/a> with the <em>Colorado Sun<\/em> earlier this month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the issue of data centers, Marx said they should be regulated \u201cbut not strangled.\u201d He favors tax credits for data centers, but only if it\u2019s \u201cperformance-based,\u201d saying they have to \u201cearn incentives by delivering the value to our state through job creation, grid investment, energy, and then minimal water impact.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think data centers, they\u2019ve got to meet standards on water use, energy sourcing, and the grid impact,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we overregulate, we\u2019ll push jobs and investments out of the state or keep them from coming in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His first move with an executive order would be authorizing a full audit of state agencies to \u201cstop spending and get a handle on where the money is going.\u201d He also wants to require that every state agency cut 10% of its spending immediately. Next, Marx said he would examine the state\u2019s regulatory system to stop rules harming businesses and any fees associated with those rules.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marx also revealed he would like to see the state legislature work to cut Medicaid spending, with a focus on reducing waste or fraud.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the issue of residents facing high rents, Marx said he would seek to expand affordability by pursuing fewer regulations, explaining that landlords and property managers have told him their property tax rates are too high.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> \u201cIt boils down to just less state involvement,\u201d Marx said. \u201cLet the free market do what it needs to do. I think those savings will be passed on.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When pressed on how he would work with the Democratic legislature if elected, Marx embraced bipartisan tones. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThere\u2019s always a greater good, mission-wise. There are Democrats that want that,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u201cHow can you not want a more affordable state? How can you not want more safety, less crime? How can you not want better education for our kids? There are major core issues to a better Colorado, happier Coloradans, that we can come to terms [on].\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4619904\/trump-perfect-storm-midterm-elections\/\"><strong>TRUMP STARES DOWN A \u2018PERFECT STORM\u2019 AS MIDTERM ELECTIONS LOOM<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Colorado last elected a Republican governor in 2002. But Marx says that\u2019s not stopping him. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHere\u2019s the deal: Coloradans, I don\u2019t care if it\u2019s Republicans, unaffiliates, or Democrats, we\u2019re all Coloradans,\u201d he told KUNC. \u201cColorado is facing serious problems, and we need serious leaders \u2014 people with experience in business, not just these ideological warriors, and I have the experience, bar none.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Victor Marx leads GOP primary for Colorado governor race<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3142,"featured_media":2619814,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP25178784553456.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[6024,81820,4133,5894,81819],"class_list":["post-2619813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-colorado","tag-gop-gubernatorial-candidate","tag-news","tag-politics","tag-victor-marx"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP25178784553456.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2619813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2619813"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2619813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2619817,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2619813\/revisions\/2619817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2619814"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2619813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2619813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2619813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}