Republican Colorado gubernatorial nominee and Marine veteran Victor Marx is creating an all-Marine ticket, believing this team can bring the necessary discipline to combat the growing democratic socialist movement in the U.S.
“There’s never been a successful socialism program,” Marx stated in an interview. He considers socialism a precursor to communism.
Marx won the Republican primary in June, highlighting public safety, social conservatism, and cost of living as main issues. His victory coincides with the Democratic Party’s left-leaning successes, such as Melat Kiros’s victory over Diana DeGette in Colorado. Kiros’s win continues the trend of progressive achievements nationwide.
To address socialism’s rise, Marx has chosen retired Marine Col. George Markert as his running mate. This choice aims to introduce military discipline and integrity into Colorado’s government.
“People know what they’re going to get when they get Marines. We’ve got hard foreheads, steely spines. And high integrity,” Marx explained.
Markert, with a 30-year Marine Corps career including senior roles in the U.S. Central Command, has transitioned to the private sector managing field operations across North America. Marx presents himself and Markert as outsiders equipped to counter the socialist movement.
Marx criticizes the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which endorsed Kiros, for their focus on policies like abolishing the police. He believes this puts public safety at the forefront of Colorado’s political divide, especially with rising crime rates. In 2024, Colorado’s violent and property crime rates were significantly higher than national averages.
According to Marx, state leaders are prioritizing ideology over crime prevention. He argues that policies threaten free speech and punish people for their beliefs.
He also critiques his opponent, Colorado Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser, claiming that increased government spending has not improved safety in Colorado. Weiser has been active in court cases challenging the Trump administration, particularly on immigration and citizenship.
“He hasn’t made our state safer,” Marx asserts, stating that residents want a change as they pay more yet receive less from government services.
Marx insists that the choice in the upcoming election is clear. “It’s either me, or it’s a Democrat,” tying the democratic socialist advancements to the Democratic Party rather than Republicans or Independents.