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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Marx Must Pay State over $57K For Illegal Campaign Donations

Likely largest campaign finance penalty in state history

DENVER – Today Republican Victor Marx has been fined by a state hearing officer $57,647.16 for illegally accepting 210 campaign contributions that were over state limits – the largest fine for campaign finance violations in Colorado’s entire history. 

The decision, published on the Secretary of State’s website this afternoon, actually increased the original fine 25% from what state elections officials initially requested because of the egregiousness of Marx’s “unprecedented” campaign finance offenses. 

The hearing officer even goes on to explain that the Marx campaign’s attempts to defend accepting tens of thousands of dollars in excess contributions only made their problems worse.

The hearing officer wrote in today’s decision: “The person charged with compliance did not know what he was doing, and no one above him made sure that he did.” In the decision, the hearing officer was baffled by the Marx’s campaign’s utter inability to maintain the basics of processing campaign donations or report any of it to the public without massive errors.

Marx’s own statements, that “we didn’t even know” campaign finance limits, that “we refunded everybody,” and that the complaints were “a nothing burger,” were also bluntly called out by the officer: “None of [Marx’s] statements were accurate.”

This decision only addresses the illegal excess contributions accepted by the Marx campaign – it does not address the shadowy campaign store profiting off of sales of Marx’s merchandise that led back to a shell LLC Marx himself may have owned, or fraudulently claimed to own. Those complaints are still pending investigation according to the Secretary of State. 

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Andrew Nicla Andrew Nicla

Colorado Democrats Announce Six-Day Statewide Bus Tour

DENVER — Colorado Democrats will hit the road October 15 for the “Our Future. Our Colorado.” bus tour, a rollicking six-day, 25-stop trip through communities across the state during the final weeks of the 2026 election.

The bus will travel across the Eastern Plains, Front Range, High Country, Western Slope and Southwest Colorado and the San Luis Valley before ending October 20 in the metro area.

The tour will begin Thursday, October 15, in Greeley and travel across the Eastern Plains, Front Range, High Country, Western Slope, Southwest Colorado and the San Luis Valley before ending Tuesday, October 20, at stops in the metro area.

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper; Attorney General and Democratic nominee for governor Phil Weiser; Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for attorney general Jena Griswold; and Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder and Democratic nominee for secretary of state Amanda Gonzalez will join the tour, along with congressional, legislative and local candidates and CDP leadership.

No two stops will look exactly alike. Local Democrats are planning community events and gatherings that reflect their corner of Colorado and give candidates a chance to meet voters, local leaders and volunteers, and share our vision for a stronger Colorado.

Two of the tour’s most significant events will be DemWest on Friday, October 16, in Palisade and DemZest on Sunday, October 18, in Pueblo. Now in its third year, DemWest will celebrate Colorado Democrats’ commitment to protecting public lands and the outdoors with food, drinks, live music and candidates from across the ballot. DemZest will bring that energy to Southern Colorado as Democrats rally voters in Pueblo following the Party’s successful State Assembly this past spring. 

“Colorado has some of the best windshield time in the country, and we’re excited to hit the road,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “Over six days, we’re packing a bus full of candidates and friends to organize and mobilize Coloradans towards a better future. From Palisade peaches and Rocky Ford melons to Pueblo chiles and Berthoud bees, rural Colorado matters, and our candidates are ready to work for folks in every corner of this state.”

“Families are paying double for healthcare while the president and his cronies enrich themselves and their billionaire donors,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper. “Farmers are struggling with higher diesel and fertilizer prices because of Trump’s costly war with Iran. Outdoor enthusiasts are mad as hell that Trump tried to sell our public lands. We're building the movement that touches every corner of Colorado to root out Trump's corruption, end his cost-of-living emergency, and actually un-rig the system.”

“The best way to lead Colorado is to show up, listen and learn from the people who call it home,” said Attorney General and Democratic nominee for Governor Phil Weiser. “That’s how I’ve approached my work as attorney general, and it’s how I’ll lead as governor. I’m excited to travel the state with this team, hear from Coloradans and talk about how we build a future where every community can thrive.”

“I grew up in rural Colorado, so I know how important it is that leaders show up in communities across our state,” said Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for attorney general Jena Griswold. “This tour is about meeting Coloradans where they are and talking directly about what’s at stake in this election. I’m proud to be part of a team that will tackle the affordability crisis and fight for Coloradans’ fundamental rights and freedoms.”

“As a county clerk, I’ve learned that trust starts with showing up, listening and making government work for the people,” said Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder and Democratic nominee for secretary of state Amanda Gonzalez. “I’m excited to travel across Colorado, meet voters in their communities and talk about the work ahead of us. This election is about how voters are helping us build what comes next for our state and democracy.”

On Thursday, Oct. 15, the tour will visit Aurora, Fort Morgan, Highlands Ranch, Greeley and Commerce City. Friday’s stops include West Jefferson County, Glenwood Springs, Frisco, Eagle County and Palisade for DemWest.

The weekend route winds through Durango, Delta, Telluride, Montrose, Towaoc, Ignacio, Colorado Springs, Alamosa, Walsenburg and Pueblo for DemZest. The final two days include Loveland, Lone Tree, Firestone, Broomfield and Arvada.

Below is the schedule for the tour. More details will be announced as they are available:

Thursday, Oct. 15

  • Aurora

  • Fort Morgan

  • Highlands Ranch

  • Greeley

  • Commerce City

Friday, Oct. 16

  • West Jefferson County

  • Glenwood Springs

  • Frisco

  • Eagle County

  • Palisade (DemWest)

Saturday, Oct. 17

  • Durango

  • Delta

  • Telluride

  • Montrose

  • Towaoc

Sunday, Oct. 18

  • Ignacio

  • Colorado Springs

  • Alamosa

  • Walsenburg

  • Pueblo (DemZest)

Monday, Oct. 19

  • Loveland

  • Lone Tree

  • Firestone

Tuesday, Oct. 20

  • Broomfield

  • Arvada

Additional candidates and elected officials will join the bus throughout the tour. More information about individual stops, including locations, participants and press availability, will be announced closer to the tour.

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Victor Marx Facing Condemnation After Unearthed Clip Shows Violent Past

 But Republicans Are Silent On Marx’s Shocking Comments 

DENVER – This week Victor Marx, extremist Republican nominee for governor, is facing national condemnation after The Daily Beast unearthed clips of Marx describing repeated violent incidents he’s perpetrated – including in the home, with his family – and saying he had a “gift for violence,” and an “explosive anger.” 

Today, October 1, is the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Marx’s shocking comments, especially his recounting and laughing about an incident where he claimed to push his wife so hard she cried, was roundly condemned by Democrats, while Colorado Republicans were silent.

AG Phil Weiser, the Democratic nominee, made the contrast even clearer at a televised town hall on Tuesday night – originally a debate set by 9News that Marx refused to attend. When Weiser was asked point-blank how he would protect the safety of people in the workplace as governor, Weiser called out Marx’s dismissal of women who survived abuse:

“If Victor Marx was here tonight, the question I would like to hear him address most is his following statement…He said that if more girls and women were content with where God has them, there would be less abuse and domestic violence.

We can never say to a survivor of violence, which this statement suggests, that it was their fault.

If you're a survivor of violence, my statement is it's not your fault, and it's up to all of us, particularly those who have an ability to serve, to protect people and create systems that keep people safe.”

The Greeley audience, composed of Democratic, Republican and Unaffiliated voters, applauded.

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

In Radio Interview, Victor Marx Once Again Admits to Violent Past 

DENVER – Republican Victor Marx is attempting to evade accountability and explain away his violent past – and is not succeeding. Following new reporting this week that Marx previously said he pushed his wife into a wall, tossed his toddler son across a room, and pulled a knife on a psychiatrist who was treating him, Marx went on a live radio show and once again admitted to these violent incidents, without apology or regret. 

And yet Colorado Republicans are still silent on Marx’s own admissions of violent behavior, including endangered congressional Republicans Jeff Hurd, Jeff Crank and Gabe Evans, and their statewide down-ballot candidates.

Even Greg Lopez, the hardline conservative Unaffiliated candidate for governor who has been unable to avoid his own criminal charges for domestic abuse, held Marx accountable:

“I think that [story] speaks volumes to the character of that individual and how he looks at things. I think he’s probably one of those individuals that needs a lot of counseling, needs a lot of attention to manage his anger.” 

Listen to Lopez’s comments here.

“Republican Victor Marx’s behavior is shocking – laughing about harm done to your wife and child, or boasting about your own violent behavior is absolutely intolerable. This is what Republicans stand for this election: recklessness, and callous indifference to the people around them.” – Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles.

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Andrew Nicla Andrew Nicla

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib Appoints Joe Salazar to Voter Protection Advisory Council

DENVER — Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib announced today that civil rights attorney and former state Rep. Joe Salazar will join the party’s Voter Protection Advisory Council, strengthening the party’s statewide effort to protect every eligible Coloradan’s right to vote.

The Voter Protection Advisory Council provides legal and strategic guidance to the party’s voter protection team and supports its work with election officials, attorneys and volunteers across Colorado. The council is co-chaired by attorneys David Seligman and Colorado Democratic Party General Counsel Martha Tierney.

“Joe has spent his career standing up for people whose voices too often go unheard, and that experience will make our voter protection operation even stronger,” Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib said. “Colorado Democrats are bringing together experienced attorneys and advocates who are ready to defend our elections and make sure every eligible Coloradan can exercise their right to vote.”

The Colorado Democratic Party is building a statewide voter protection operation that includes hundreds of poll watchers, legal teams in key counties, mobile response teams and an Election Day legal center. The operation is led by attorney and CDP Voter Protection Director Emily Dowd.

“Protecting the right to vote requires people who know their communities, understand the law and are prepared to act when voters need help,” Colorado Democratic Party Voter Protection Director Emily Dowd said. “Joe brings years of civil rights experience and a deep commitment to protecting Coloradans. I’m grateful to have him joining our team as we prepare for Election Day.”

Salazar served three terms in the Colorado House of Representatives and has practiced civil rights and constitutional law. He joins the Council as the party continues preparing attorneys and volunteers across the state to help voters navigate the election and respond to reports of voter intimidation or suppression.

“The right to vote means nothing if people cannot exercise it freely and have confidence that their ballot will count,” Civil Rights Attorney and Former State Representative Joe Salazar said. “I’ve spent my career fighting for people whose rights are threatened or ignored, and I’m proud to bring that fight to this council. Every eligible Coloradan deserves to have their voice heard in our democracy, and we’re going to do everything we can to protect that right.”

Voters who need help or have questions can call the voter assistance hotline at 1-833-336-8683 or visit ColoradoDems.org/vote.

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Republican Victor Marx Has “Dark Past” of Violent Domestic Altercations

Marx Pushed Wife Into Door, Threw Toddler Son Across a Room

DENVER – Today blockbuster reporting by The Daily Beast revealed extremist Republican nominee for governor Victor Marx has been concealing a “dark past” of violent domestic altercations – despite his haphazard efforts to portray himself to voters as a Christian family man and international humanitarian over the course of his campaign. 

The Daily Beast’s investigation uncovered podcasts where Marx bragged about his ability to harm others, including his wife and child. According to their reporting, “Marx even laughed about slamming his wife into a door, recounted how he threw his toddler across the room and declared that God gave him a ‘gift for violence.’” 

When Marx recounted pushing his wife, Eileen Marx, into the door of their house, Marx said he gave her “a decent push…She hit that, bent over and started crying, facing the opposite way,” because she had told him she was no longer training in self-defense.  

The Daily Beast describes several more incidents where Marx’s explosive anger wreaked havoc in the home, including when he “snatched [his toddler son] and threw him across the room…he started crying.” The story continues: 

“[Marx] has also recounted punching an inmate at a juvenile facility until the man was bleeding, intimidating a mental-health provider by blocking the door and telling him he would never have time to call for help, and pulling a Marine Corps knife on a psychiatrist.”

Read the full story and watch the videos here. 

“Republican Victor Marx has run his campaign for governor using bizarre, tall tales of dangerous missions abroad to qualify himself for governor. Today’s reporting makes the darker reality of Marx’s life incredibly clear for Colorado voters: he is reckless, explosive and cannot be trusted with the safety of our entire state,” said Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles. 

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Andrew Nicla Andrew Nicla

Colorado Democratic Party forms Black Leadership Advisory Committee

DENVER — Colorado Democratic Party (CDP) Chair Shad Murib announced today the formation of the Black Leadership Advisory Committee, a group of elected officials and community leaders who will advise the Chair and help guide the CDP’s communications with Black voters across the state and support voter outreach efforts as ballots drop.

Black voters are an essential part of the Democratic coalition. The committee will focus its efforts on encouraging Black turnout in the 2026 election in key districts across the state, including through the coordinated campaign’s paid advertising, outreach, and events, as well as continuing to develop Black leadership within the Party.

“Black Coloradans have been the backbone of our Party for generations,” Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib said. “Each one of these leaders knows what it takes to mobilize and grow the Party’s presence in Black communities, and I look forward to their leadership, guidance, and wisdom towards winning November and growing the Party.”

The committee brings together Black elected officials, community advocates and party leaders as its leadership board:

  • Congressman Joe Neguse

  • Colorado Senate President James Coleman

  • CU Regent Wanda James

  • Denver City Council Member Darrell Watson

  • Community leader and Democratic Party of Denver Second Vice Chair Micaela Parker

  • NAACP Rocky Mountain State Conference President Omar Montgomery

"It is essential we work at every level, especially the local one, to ensure the Colorado Democratic Party is engaging the Black community — from Pueblo to Denver, and everywhere in between,” Congressman Neguse said. “As Colorado’s first Black Congressman, I look forward to partnering with this new advisory committee on the critical work ahead of us, as we work together to address the consequential challenges of our time.”

“Leadership does not begin when someone runs for office,” Senate President Coleman said. “It begins when a person decides that their family, their block or their community deserves better. We want to find those people, support them and help them lead.”

“Black political power has always been built through people who organize, invest, and most importantly, bring others with them,” Regent James said. “Our job is to turn that energy into votes this fall and a strong and powerful base for the years ahead.”

“Good organizing starts with listening,” Councilmember Watson said. “We will meet people where they are, hear what they expect from their leaders and give them a reason to take part in this election.”

“Young progressive Black voters are looking for leadership and a political home,” Second Vice Chair Parker said. “Colorado Democrats and this advisory committee gives us an intentional opportunity to ensure that the Party is living our values, and empowering the next generation of Black voters and leaders through communication, community engagement, and direct action.”

“Every generation has a responsibility to open the door wider for the one coming next,” President Montgomery said. “We are bringing together people with different experiences and a shared purpose: giving Black Coloradans a stronger voice in the decisions that affect their lives.”

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

New Reporting Spotlights Republican Marx’s Extremism on Abortion: An “Occultic Activity”

DENVER – Today a new report put the spotlight back on Republican Victor Marx’s extremism on abortion, including his repeated references to Colorado’s constitutional abortion protections as demonic. Marx has called abortion an “occultic activity” and a “manifestation of evil” repeatedly during the campaign.

As American Journal News reported today, “Marx frequently discusses abortion in religious terms,” and makes clear that his running mate’s pledge to roll back the state’s abortion freedoms is part and parcel of Marx’s mission to “consecrate the state of Colorado back to God” if elected.

Marx has long touted his experience as a onetime assistant to the founder of Focus on the Family, an anti-abortion organization previously designated as a national hate group. Marx even said “we’ve been doing this for 20 years” to boost his credibility when campaigning on his hostility to abortion protections. Over the years many Coloradans have experienced repeated violence and threatening harassment for exercising their right to an abortion – including a fatal shooting at a Colorado Springs Planned Parenthood. 

“Victor Marx’s demonization of abortion – even literally – will not be tolerated in Colorado. Voters have been incredibly clear that they support these freedoms for decades,” said CDP spokesperson Kailee Stiles. “His vicious, reckless attacks on our rights makes it even more obvious that Marx is the wrong choice for Colorado’s future.”  

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

No Money, More Problems for Marx

Republican Victor Marx has low-mentum in the final sprint to Election Day

DENVER – Republican nominee for governor Victor Marx is staring down 40 more days of the General Election with a shoestring campaign, mounting problems, and nothing but a bizarre, far-right extremist message to voters in the final sprint. 

In Monday’s campaign finance reports, Marx showed he had burned through the vast majority of his fundraised cash for the second reporting deadline in a row. The independent committees supporting Marx also reported withered fundraising, showing less than $20,000 cash on hand combined. Marx is still facing record fines for accepting over $80,000 in illegal contributions and state investigations into whether he personally profited from his campaign merchandise sales.

The Republican’s top-ticket candidate has refused to do any serious debates that would help boost his profile in these final weeks. Last week, Marx himself told CPR he rejected a televised debate his team had already agreed to. He only agreed to do a single Denver-based forum after the organizers kiboshed a standard debate format and removed 9News’ Kyle Clark as moderator. Instead, Marx has flooded his campaign channels with AI-generated “slopulism” and faked photos of him with large crowds.

“Voters are looking for vision and forward momentum for our state, and Republican Victor Marx has neither,” said Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles. “Marx’s low-energy, low-mentum campaign isn’t just his problem – it’s creating ripples that will suck down every Republican running alongside him. As Colorado approaches the four-year Furry-versary of Republican Heidi Ganahl’s own gubernatorial implosion, Marx is already saying, ‘hold my for-profit campaign coffee.’”

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

ICYMI: Longshot Lopez Struggles in Last Gov Debate, Marx’s Absence Says it All

GRAND JUNCTION –  Last Saturday’s Club 20 gubernatorial debate showed exactly what Republican Victor Marx is offering Colorado voters in November: an empty microphone. 

Democratic nominee, Attorney General Phil Weiser, met conservative hardline candidate Greg Lopez to discuss critical issues, but Republican nominee Victor Marx was nowhere to be found – letting Colorado voters down once again. 

In what’s likely to be the final gubernatorial debate of the general election, Longshot Lopez floundered, caught lying about his ultra-conservative record in Congress and attempting to pivot away from his own scandal-filled past. AG Weiser was laser-focused on the issues that matter, especially to rural voters: water use, defending our Colorado River rights, standing up for small business and what it means to show up for the Western Slope as governor.

“The people of Colorado have a lot of questions for Republican Victor Marx – and Marx won’t be answering any of them,” said Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles.  “Voters want stability and a bright future for our state, and Democrats are the ones ready to get to work on real solutions. The extremist MAGA agenda we know to expect from Republican Victor Marx or hardline conservative Greg Lopez has no place in the Governor’s Office.”

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Weiser and Longshot Lopez Face Off at Club 20 – Marx Missing

MAGA Extremist Marx Missing Amid Multiple Campaign Maelstroms

DENVER – This Saturday in Grand Junction, Attorney General Phil Weiser and hardline conservative gubernatorial longshot Greg Lopez will meet for their second debate – while Republican nominee Victor Marx will miss another stop on the traditional campaign trail.  

Victor Marx has strangely refused to debate the full field, claiming he will only meet the Democratic nominee in an unserious, “unmoderated” debate, without any explanation. He also bypassed the August Colorado Springs debate, despite it being in his home city. 

MAGA extremist Marx has alienated voters left and right since before he scraped by in June’s primary. But just this week, new leaked audio circulated with Marx’s latest racist comments, saying he was a “reverse coconut” and more comfortable with people of color because of his father’s apparent criminal activity. 

Marx’s campaign finance scandal also spiraled further out of control, as he faced another media storm around his latest shady attempts to explain away his online merch store scheme. State officials have already called his hundreds of other campaign finance violations “unprecedented,” and demanded a record $51,000 fine in a state hearing Monday. 

Watch Jen Psaki’s takedown of Victor Marx here

Conservative longshot Lopez is going west for his second and final matchup with Weiser, in a mad dash for relevance with barely six weeks to go until Election Day. Lopez has so far failed to gain traction or escape his hardline conservative record; he reported raising less than $18,000 in the July-August reporting period.

“AG Weiser is gearing up for debate round two because he’s ready to meet his opponents and voters where they are,” said Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles. “What’s Victor Marx afraid of – besides accountability?” 

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Andrew Nicla Andrew Nicla

Colorado Democratic Party Launches Voter Protection Advisory Council

DENVER — Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib today appointed attorneys David Seligman and Colorado Democratic Party General Counsel Martha Tierney as co-chairs of the party’s Voter Protection Advisory Council.

The Council will provide legal and strategic guidance to the party’s voter protection team as well as support outreach as it works with election officials, attorneys and volunteers across Colorado. 

The team helps distribute trustworthy election information to voters so they can register to vote, cast their ballots and to ensure those ballots are counted. The voter protection program also hosts a voter assistance hotline to respond to reports of voter intimidation or suppression and to assist voters with their questions about how to vote.

“Colorado is a national leader in secure, accessible elections, and we intend to keep it that way no matter what Donald Trump or Colorado Republicans think,” Murib said. “David and Martha are experienced attorneys who know how to protect voters and stand up for our democracy. Their appointments also reflect the strength and unity of our party as we work together to win in November.”

The Colorado Democratic Party is building a statewide voter protection operation that includes hundreds of poll watchers, legal teams in key counties, mobile response teams and an Election Day legal center. The operation is led by CDP Voter Protection Director Emily Dowd, an experienced attorney and policy adviser with a background in election law and state policy.

“Voter protection takes preparation, coordination and people who are ready to respond to incidents large or small,” Dowd said. “Martha and David bring decades of valuable legal experience to this work. Their partnership will help us protect every eligible Coloradan’s right to vote and ensure that we are reaching key communities with reliable voter information.”

Tierney’s decades of election law experience include representing political organizations, elected officials and voting rights advocacy groups in high-stakes, high-profile election-related litigation. Martha has been instrumental in the development of the Colorado Democratic Party’s voter protection program for over twenty years.

“Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and protecting it requires serious work long before Election Day,” Tierney said. “I’m honored to help lead this council and support the attorneys, volunteers and election officials working to ensure Coloradans can vote safely and confidently.”

Seligman is a workers’ rights and civil rights lawyer and executive director of Towards Justice. He sought the Democratic nomination for Colorado attorney general earlier this year.

“Whatever differences we may have during a primary, Democrats stand united to protect every eligible citizen’s sacred right to vote,” Seligman said. “We love this country too much to let extraordinary wealth and power drown out the voices of everyday people. The ballot box is how we reclaim our democracy and build an economy that works for all of us, and I’m proud to join this effort.”

Voters who need help or have questions can call the voter assistance hotline at 1-833-336-8683 or visit ColoradoDems.org/vote.

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Marx’s Merch Store Scheme Keeps Unraveling

Republican Gov Candidate “stepping on multiple rakes at once”

DENVER – New reporting yesterday showed Victor Marx is getting caught even deeper in a web of controversy about his campaign merch store – and whether he’s been personally profiting off his supporters’ donations. 

9News shared new audio from a recent campaign event, where Marx again tried to explain away the campaign finance reports indicating he personally owned – and was profiting from – the campaign merchandise store. 

Marx instead stepped on “multiple rakes at once,” by either admitting he filed false campaign finance reports…or by lying to keep hiding his grift from the public.

MARX: “So, Greg [Carlson] put my name on it to get the $5000 into the campaign account. That was just for TRACER. I have nothing to do with the LLC. Greg put my name on it to get the $5000 into the campaign account.”

Watch the full clip

“Either Republican Victor Marx has been manipulating his supporters into putting their hard-earned cash into his pocket, or he’s lying to the public and submitting fraudulent campaign finance reports. Coloradans deserve the truth, but we sure can’t expect it from Victor Marx,” said Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles.

ICYMI: Local press has doggedly followed Marx’s widening campaign finance scandal since July, when 9News initially broke the story that Marx was urging supporters to illegally buy unlimited merchandise from his online store. Marx just last week told the Denver Post that the filing linking him to the merch store was a “silly mistake.” 

The merch store’s operations are still under investigation by the Secretary of State’s Election Division. A state hearing into separate complaints that Marx accepted $81,000 in illegal excess contributions is expected to announce a decision in the coming week.

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

QUICK CLIP: Victor Marx Says He's Comfortable Around People of Color Because of Father's Drug Dealing

DENVER – New audio circulating today reveals Republican gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx’s shocking remarks on people of color – breaking new ground in showing just how wrong Marx is for Colorado. 

In the released audio, Marx says his father’s alleged criminal activity as a “drug dealer and a pimp” is what made him “very comfortable around people of color” and said his background had made him a “reverse coconut…I’m brown on the inside.” 

Watch the video here

“Victor Marx thinks criminal activity is what defines people of color, and wants to joke about it. Marx has gone well beyond bizarre comments about demons, and is now trafficking in outright racism. This isn’t a campaign for all Coloradans,” said Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles. 

Journalists have questioned the many stories Marx has told about his backstory since early in primary season. Abortion advocates also brought more of Marx’s racist and graphic comments about reproductive rights into the light for voters in an August press conference. Marx had previously referred to abortion freedoms as a “self-inflicted genocide” on the Black community and said legal abortion in Colorado was “slaughter,” and “legislating child sacrifice.”

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Republicans Running, But Can’t Hide From Victor Marx

DENVER – With just 50 days to go until Election Day, Republican gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx is still storming ahead with his far-right, bizarre campaign – leaving no time and nowhere to hide for Republicans running alongside him.

Marx’s literally hundreds of campaign problems are accumulating into an avalanche at risk of crushing every other member of his party in the coming election. Republicans Gabe Evans, Jeff Crank, Jeff Hurd, Michael Allen, statehouse and national Republican officials have all tried to duck questions about their support for Marx, convincing absolutely no one. 

Even though Marx’s far-right, anti-choice agenda, incompetent campaign, and outrageous comments will be toxic in November, every Republican running for office remains bound to Victor Marx’s ticket.  

For his part, Marx also isn’t doing much to prove anyone wrong about his Hail-Mary chances. Marx was filmed yelling at an undecided voter and telling her to vote for Democrat Phil Weiser if she won’t “help him win.” His campaign is canceling events, refusing to attend traditional debates with news outlets in Colorado Springs, Greeley and Grand Junction. 

Marx and his camp are also churning out low-rent campaign deepfakes, in one case pitiably trying to prove Marx wasn’t standing virtually alone at the Colorado State Fair.

“When Coloradans begin casting their votes in a few short weeks, there is one advertisement for the Republican Party every single voter will see: the name Victor Marx at the top of their ballot. His Republican Party has already alienated everyday Coloradans looking for stability, freedom and a bright future. Victor Marx is a self-interested extremist, with nothing to offer Coloradans besides the chance to witness the worst campaign in Colorado history.” – Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles 

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Andrew Nicla Andrew Nicla

Colorado Democrats Finalize Positions on 2026 Ballot Measures

DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party’s State Central Committee voted Tuesday on seven measures on the November ballot, concluding the Party’s consideration of 2026 ballot measures after previously voting to take positions on others in late May.

“Everyone should be able to afford a good life, make their own health care decisions and have a voice in their government without it breathing down their neck. We believe in protecting Colorado’s land, air and water, connecting and protecting our communities and defending the right to vote. We’re proud to weigh in on these important measures Colorado will consider this fall,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib.

The Colorado Democratic Party supports:

  • Amendment 87: Graduated Income Tax

  • Proposition NN: State Public K-12 Education Funding

  • Ballot Issue 7A: Front Range Passenger Rail Colorado Connector Funding

The Colorado Democratic Party opposes:

  • Amendment 81: Law Enforcement Reporting Requirements to Federal Authorities

  • Amendment 82: Right to Natural Gas

  • Amendment 84: Mail Ballot Voter Identification

  • Amendment 85: Plain Language Ballot Questions

  • Amendment 86: Congressional Redistricting

  • Proposition 132: Penalties for Fentanyl Crimes

  • Proposition 134: Male and Female Participation in School Sports

  • Proposition 135: Prohibit Certain Surgeries on Minors

  • Proposition 136: Income Tax Rate Cap

  • Proposition 137: Designate Sporting Goods Sales Tax Revenue for Conservation

You can find more details on the Colorado Democratic Party’s stances on 2026 ballot measures and more at Coloradodems.org/win. 

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Toxic Ministry Leader Accused of Ignoring Abuse Endorses Republican Victor Marx

DENVER – Republican nominee for governor Victor Marx touted a new toxic endorsement from the far-right this week. Marx is now openly supported by Andrew Wommack – another right-wing, non-ordained ministry leader in Southern Colorado – who “preaches a fiery version of Christian nationalism” according to the Colorado Times Recorder, and has been credibly accused of ignoring sexual abuse at the evangelical Bible college he ran for 30 years. In 2024, Wommack said “a civil war would be ‘worth it’ if it brought Donald Trump back into power.” 

In a weekly campaign podcast last Thursday, Marx promoted a “special endorsement.” The endorsement was from none other than Wommack, leader of the right-wing evangelical Andrew Wommack Ministries and another “demon aficionado” (Colorado Newsline). On Sunday, Marx promoted Wommack’s endorsement again on social media, calling it a “major endorsement” for his campaign.

“Victor Marx is creating one headache after another for every Republican in Colorado,” said Colorado Democratic Party spokesperson Kailee Stiles. “The record speaks for itself: Marx’s erratic campaign will be defined more by his efforts to win the far-right and the definition of ‘exorcism’ than on doing what’s right for Coloradans.”

Wommack has been a toxic figure at the outskirts of right-wing Colorado politics for years, but Marx has brought him into the very center of the Republican ticket for 2026.

Wommack has made years-long efforts to enact a “theocratic takeover” on Woodland Park’s local school board and city council, even saying he intended to make the Teller County town a local theocracy. Wommack stepped down from running Charis Bible College, which he said had “more weapons than the local police department” shortly after a multi-part Colorado Times Recorder investigation unearthed years of sexual abuse at the school under Wommack’s leadership.  

Wommack’s endorsement marks a sharp bait-and-switch for Marx, after he spent most of August attempting to run away from years of bragging that he could save people from demonic possession. Marx tried to back away from demon-talk after swathes of critical media coverage, claiming repeatedly, “I don’t do exorcisms.” 

Unfortunately for Marx, a journalist recently discovered audio where Marx claimed he “fought Satan in person” at a juvenile detention facility in Texas, and it circulated among national media. Marx has long claimed this was an exorcism he performed on a young girl he met at that facility, alone in her cell.

9NEWS also reported that the paid exorcisms are "at the center of his $7.5 million per year ministry, All Things Possible, and can fairly be described as [Marx’s] life's work.”

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

A Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Week for Republican Victor Marx

National Republicans’ Desperate Rescue Mission for Gabe Evans Can’t Outrun Marx

DENVER – Last week, Republican nominee for governor Victor Marx had another no-good, very bad week, and he and his embattled campaign are struggling to find footing with hardly two months to go until Election Day.

ICYMI

“There is no record of the rescues…no record of any civilian using American military airpower against Middle Eastern terrorists…Despite his history and wild claims, Marx remains the Republican nominee for governor of Colorado. He is endorsed by the Republican Governors Association. This is far from normal politics.”

  • TUESDAY: Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters did an extended sit-down with CBS Colorado to shore up the GOP ticket, much like US House Speaker Mike Johnson the week before. And just like Johnson,Gruters almost fell apart when asked about the national party’s support for extremist Marx: 

[6:08] ANCHOR: So, the Republican nominee for governor in Colorado is Victor Marx. You've heard of him? GRUTERS: Yes. ANCHOR: He's a confessed killer who says he does exorcisms over the phone. Does the RNC support him? GRUTERS: Listen, I'm here to support Gabe Evans and I'm here to support a bunch of other congressional candidates. And listen, our nominees, we support uh across the board. 

Just like Johnson, Gruters must have missed Gabe Evans’ unconditional endorsement for Marx on July 9 – immediately after Marx was named the GOP’s nominee for governor. 

  • TUESDAY, TAKE TWO: That very day, Marx all but begged for Republican support for his ticket on the Western Slope, saying at a rally in Montrose: “I may not be the best pick, but I'm the pick,” reported by the Montrose Daily Press.

  • THURSDAY: Marx’s disgusting, inflammatory comments about abortion, women and the Black community were brought to light and slammed by women who’ve led on protecting abortion freedoms in Colorado: former state representative Leslie Herod, and advocates from COLOR, Cobalt, Planned Parenthood alongside Colorado Democratic Party’s Executive Director. 

  • THURSDAY AGAIN: Marx faced a new scandal on his illegal campaign merch store scheme, as 9News followed the money propping up the apparent “third-party” store to an LLC owned by Marx. 

  • STILL THURSDAY: Marx was called out by Democratic nominee Phil Weiser for being too scared to attend Thursday night’s TV debate in Colorado Springs – a debate on Marx’s own home turf. Marx’s no-show was covered by debate media sponsor Colorado Politics, as well as Colorado Newsline.

  • FRIDAY: The Denver Post – the state’s paper of record – published another exposé on Marx’s spiraling merch scheme, noting that Marx’s campaign has spent at least $108,000 purchasing branded merchandise for a third-party…whose financial ties still lead straight back to Marx. The merch store website was abruptly taken down Friday night.

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

In First Gov Debate, Lopez Shows He’s Still In Lockstep With Trump

Republican Victor Marx Hides From Hard Questions 

DENVER – In tonight’s first televised General Election debate for governor, gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez reminded voters who he really is: a hardline conservative who would never stand up to Donald Trump to protect Colorado. 

Lopezrefused to say he would have stood up to Trump when he targeted Colorado over our gold-standard vote-by-mail system andTina Peters’ imprisonment for committing felonies to prove Trump’s election conspiracies.

In the debate, Lopez also firmly supported far-right ballot proposals such as forced gender inspections for schoolchildren, protecting tax breaks for the wealthy, and an initiative that would allow corporate polluters to endanger Coloradans’ basic health and safety. Lopez opposed common-sense gun safety laws, asking, "Why would we need to take a class to exercise our Second Amendment rights?"

Lopez repeatedly tried to run from his hardline conservative record by leaning on his unaffiliated status – but during his six-month stint in a Republican-led Congress in 2024, Lopez voted with his party 94% of the time, breaking with Republicans to vote with the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus. 

“Tonight’s debate made the choice for voters in November abundantly clear: Phil Weiser has a real plan for Colorado and is ready to lead us into the future. Longshot Greg Lopez showed voters he’s in lockstep with Trump’s agenda – and reckless Republican extremist Victor Marx was nowhere to be found,” said Kailee Stiles, spokesperson for the Colorado Democratic Party. “Coloradans deserve a governor with vision and experience – not candidates pushing MAGA conspiracies and bizarre falsehoods.”

In his many campaigns, Greg Lopez has been unable to outrun a litany of personal issues, including his $15,000 settlement with the US Attorney’s Office forimproperly attempting to influence public servants at the Colorado Small Business Administration office shortly after he abruptly left his role as director. 

Republican Victor Marx refused to appear at tonight’s debate, after weeks of bluster and a ludicrous proposal for an “unmoderated debate” between him and Weiser that was soundly rejected by local journalists. Marx’s campaign also recently insisted a local anchor who has reported extensively on Marx’s controversies be removed from moderating an upcoming gubernatorial forum. Marx only participated in one “off-the-rails” televised debate late in the primary.

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Kailee Stiles Kailee Stiles

Colorado Democrats and Advocates Call Out Victor Marx’s Extreme Views, Graphic Comments Opposing Abortion

Marx Said, Abortion is a “Self-Inflicted Genocide” For Black Community, and Abortion is a “Manifestation of Darkness”

DENVER — Today Colorado Democrats held a press conference with former state representative Leslie Herod and abortion advocates to highlight Republican gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx’s extremism on abortion. Speakers called out Marx’s years-long history of repeated inflammatory, degrading comments about women and reproductive freedoms, and the threat he poses to Colorado’s constitutional abortion protections. 

At the event, speakers highlighted Marx’s past comments that abortions are a “self-inflicted genocide” on the Black community, that abortion is a “manifestation of darkness” and his graphic allusions to disgusting conspiracy theories about healthcare clinics. 

“We have to make clear just how extreme Victor Marx is: he’s not only willing to take away Colorado’s constitutional protections for abortion, he spews hatred against women for exercising those freedoms,” said Kate Sneed, Executive Director of the Colorado Democratic Party. “I’m proud that Colorado Democrats have been firm in fighting for reproductive rights for decades, and we will not let Marx or his hatred gain a foothold in Colorado.”

“Far-right Republican Victor Marx not only opposes abortion freedom, and not only shows deep disdain for women – he demeans Black women in particular for exercising their rights in disgusting, graphic language. These extreme comments are reckless and well beyond what we should expect of anyone running for office. Victor Marx is unfit to lead Colorado,” said former state representative, Hon. Leslie Herod (D-Denver).

“Coloradans have made it clear, time and again, that they believe decisions about pregnancy and health care belong to patients, not politicians. Victor Marx is simply out of step with the values of our state. His extreme positions threaten freedoms that Colorado voters have repeatedly chosen to protect. We've fought too hard to secure those rights, and we won't stand by while a politician threatens our freedom to make our own health care decisions," said Claudia Perez, Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains.

“We have worked hard to protect our freedom to decide about our bodies and futures here in Colorado. The voters’ decision to enshrine the legal right to abortion in the state constitution is a clear reflection of our community’s values and our demand that elected officials protect our reproductive rights. The Republican candidate for Governor is not aligned with our values or communities and is absolutely the wrong choice for Colorado,” said Vanessa Martinez, Vice President of Policy for COLOR.

“Republican Victor Marx is right about exactly one thing: We are angry. We have done everything in our power in Colorado to protect the right to an abortion – and still, people like Marx will do everything they can to take us back. We want more rights and freedoms for our children and grandchildren, not fewer. Victor Marx’s hateful comments prove he is anti-freedom, reckless, and absolutely unfit to be governor,” said Kiera Hatton Sena, Political Director for Cobalt.

In his past comments, Victor Marx said he’s worked against abortion “for twenty years,” including with the founder of Focus on the Family, a Colorado-based anti-abortion hate group. In a joint TV interview, his running mate George Markert said he’d “work to rescind Amendment 79,” the constitutional protections for abortion overwhelmingly passed by the voters in 2024. 

Event recording available to the media upon request. 

More on Victor Marx’s Radical Comments on Abortion:

  • Marx staked out an extremist far-right position opposing abortion: “There is only life and death. I am for life.” (YouTube, 00:13:12, 08/08/26)

  • Victor Marx on abortion in the black community: “I want to back up regarding what I call a self inflicted genocide. And I recently posted on this. You know, why? Why specifically the black community is the abortion rate so high? It goes beyond, you know, a horrific form of birth control.” (Facebook Post, 00:29:11, 03/16/23)

  • Marx continued his racist tirade: “We focus on the black community because that, that is a strategic plan of the enemy to destroy specifically through this death culture.” (Facebook Post, 00:38:25, 03/16/23)

  • Marx degraded women who support abortion: “People wonder why so many angry women and Karens are out there. You know, we talk about when you kill your own child, you know, your soul knows it.” (Rumble, 00:45:08, 11/11/23)

  • Marx used his own history of violence to justify opposing abortion: “I’ve killed. And, and I just know this. If people had to look at their own child after they've been murdered, this would all change.” (Rumble, 00:45:32, 11/11/23)

  • Marx said abortion protections were legal murder: “Where people will legislate the murder, the child sacrifices of a baby.”  (Facebook, 1:00:37, 11/30/21)

  • Marx attacked Planned Parenthood health clinics in graphic language: “But you put them in a, an abortion mill, you put them in a Planned Parenthood and let them kill a child, let them see a baby and then they have to kill that baby. Let's see if they would change their point of view. (Facebook, 01:01:34, 11/30/21)

  • Marx called abortion an “evil” he’d been fighting for decades: “The manifestation of darkness both in our country and others, when evil goes after children, I mean, we're seeing it with the whole abortion issue. We have always stood for the sanctity of life. We've been doing this now for 20 years.” (Facebook Post, 00:22, 01/02/26)

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