During a debate on May 26, about six weeks before the Associated Press named Victor Marx the winner of the GOP gubernatorial primary, two of Marx’s opponents, state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer (R-Weld) and state Rep. Scott Bottoms (R-CO Springs), promised not to “support” Marx if he became the nominee.
Bottoms called Marx a “con man;” Kirkmeyer said he’s “unfit to be governor.”
Ten days later, with Marx firmly affixed to the skewers of journalists and comedians around the country, and with the question of whether Marx would get the support of GOP leaders lingering in the campaign-season air, U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans told KNUS he’d “support” the Republican candidate for governor, “whoever happens to come out of the primary.”
Marx’s campaign welcomed Evans‘ support, with campaign spokesman Roger Hudson praising a post showing Evans reiterating his promise to support the party’s nominee for governor.
Then, after Marx defeated Kirkmeyer last week, Evans immediately fulfilled his promise and threw his support to all the Republicans on the Colorado ballot, including Marx.
“We must unite as Republicans and vote red up and down the ballot this November.,🇺🇸” Evans stated on X.
“Congratulations to @MarkBaisley, @redflameliberty, @KevinJGrantham, @victormarx, and @MichaelAllen4CO on their nominations!” wrote Evans.
Evans’ post prompted 9News anchor Kyle Clark to comment on X that he’d been wondering if Evans in “swing CO-8 would distance himself” from Marx.
“Was curious whether GOP Rep Gabe Evans in swing CO-8 would seek to distance himself from longshot/extreme Republicans on the ticket – like exorcist/Gov candidate Victor Marx and election denier/Sec of State candidate James Wiley,” wrote Clark. “Evans is going with full embrace of both.”
As for the rest of the Republican congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) was an early endorser of Marx and was featured in Marx’s campaign communications.
U.S. Reps. Jeff Crank and Jeff Hurd, both Republicans, didn’t return emails seeking to know if they’re backing Marx. This article will be updated with any responses received.
The Republican Party of Colorado has endorsed the entire GOP slate of nominees.
“The voters of Colorado have spoken,” stated the state Republican Party on Facebook. “The Colorado Republican Party looks forward to working with Victor Marx and our entire Republican ticket in the months ahead to give Coloradans a clear choice this November.
The Marx campaign is also trying to lock in support among fellow GOP candidates. According to reporting by 9News yesterday, the campaign is asking Republicans to sign a “unity compact” that includes a promise “to avoid unnecessary public attacks on fellow nominees.”
