Victor Marx, the Republican nominee for Colorado governor, is campaigning with retired Marine Col. George Markert as he argues socialism is gaining ground in the state.
Colorado Republican gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx is running on an all-Marine ticket as he tries to frame the state’s 2026 race as a fight over public safety, free speech and the future of Colorado government. Marx, a Marine veteran, says he and his running mate, retired Marine Col. George Markert, can bring the discipline he believes the state needs as democratic socialist candidates gain traction around the country.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Marx argued that socialism is only a step toward communism and said Colorado needs leaders with what he called “steely spines.” He said voters know what to expect from Marines, describing them as people with “hard foreheads” and “high integrity.” Marx won Colorado’s primary in June after campaigning on public safety, social conservatism and the cost of living. His message comes as the Democratic Party’s left wing has posted a series of primary wins nationally, including in Colorado, where democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette.
Marx said the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America has made the political fight in Colorado sharper. He described the organization as disciplined, well-funded and focused on reshaping the state from the top down. The DSA endorsed Kiros, and Marx pointed to the group’s support for the eventual abolition of police as evidence that public safety is now at the center of the debate. He also accused Democrats of spending more while delivering less for working taxpayers.
The Republican nominee tied his case to Colorado’s crime numbers, saying the state continues to struggle with rates above the national average. In 2024, Colorado recorded about 476 violent crimes and 2,593 property crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly 28% and 41% higher than the national rates calculated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics. Marx said residents are worried about crime and gang activity while state leaders focus too much on policing speech and punishing people for their beliefs.
“Victor Marx, the Republican nominee for Colorado governor, is campaigning with retired Marine Col. George Markert as he argues socialism is gaining ground in the state.”
Markert, Marx’s running mate, brings a long military résumé to the ticket. He spent more than 30 years in the Marine Corps, including senior leadership posts at U.S. Central Command and the 2nd and 4th Marine Logistics Groups. After leaving the Corps, he worked in the private sector overseeing infrastructure-related field operations across North America. Marx said that background makes the pair political outsiders who can be trusted to enforce accountability in state government.
Marx also cast his campaign as a direct challenge to Colorado Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser, his opponent in the race. He said Weiser has not made the state safer and blamed Democrats for pushing policies that, in Marx’s view, leave taxpayers paying more while government delivers less. Weiser has repeatedly challenged the Trump administration in court, including in cases involving birthright citizenship and immigration-related policies.
Marx said the election offers voters a clear choice between his ticket and the Democrats he links to the DSA. He said the movement did not come through Republicans or independents, but through Democrats, and argued that Colorado is approaching a decisive moment. For voters, the race will test whether crime, ideology and distrust of government spending outweigh the appeal of a progressive shift. The takeaway for Americans is simple: Colorado’s governor’s race is becoming a national proxy fight over public safety, socialism and who gets to define the country’s future.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Victor Marx’s running mate?
Marx selected retired Marine Col. George Markert. Marx said the pair’s Marine background will bring discipline and accountability to state government.
What issue is Marx emphasizing in the race?
He is focusing on public safety, the cost of living and social conservatism. He also argues that democratic socialism is gaining ground in Colorado and nationally.
What crime figures did Marx cite?
Marx pointed to 2024 Colorado rates of about 476 violent crimes and 2,593 property crimes per 100,000 residents. He said those figures were above national levels.
Who is Marx running against?
Marx is challenging Colorado Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser. He said Weiser has not made the state safer and criticized his approach to government spending.
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