Republican Colorado gubernatorial candidate and Marine veteran Victor Marx is assembling a unique campaign strategy. His all-Marine ticket aims to combat what he sees as a rising democratic socialist movement in U.S. political races.
“There’s never been a successful socialism program. Socialism is simply a transition to communism,” Marx stated during an interview with Fox News Digital.
Marx’s Campaign Success
Marx secured victory in Colorado’s primary race in June, focusing his campaign on public safety, social conservatism, and addressing the cost of living. His primary win occurred alongside progressive victories nationally, such as democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeating longstanding politician Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado.
Colorado’s primary outcomes varied, but Kiros’ victory highlighted a trend of progressive wins nationwide. In response, Marx plans to bring discipline and integrity to governance by sending in the Marines. He selected retired Marine Col. George Markert as his running mate, creating the all-Marine ticket.
“People know what to expect with Marines: hard foreheads, steely spines, and high integrity,” Marx remarked.
Background of George Markert
Markert’s military career spans more than 30 years, including leadership roles at U.S. Central Command and the 2nd and 4th Marine Logistics Groups. Post-military, he managed infrastructure operations across North America.
Marx, founder of All Things Possible Ministries, positions himself and Markert as political outsiders. He argues they offer the discipline and accountability needed to counter the democratic socialist movement.
Concerns Over Public Safety
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), who endorsed Kiros, propose police abolition, placing public safety at the political forefront. Colorado grapples with high crime rates, reporting around 476 violent crimes and 2,593 property crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024. These figures are significantly higher than national averages, according to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Marx criticizes state leadership: “They’re more concerned with policing speech than protecting families. While crime and gang activity trouble residents, state policies threaten free speech and penalize beliefs.”
Criticism of Opponent Phil Weiser
Marx targets Colorado Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser, blaming increased governmental spending without tangible improvements for residents. He claims the state’s approach under Weiser’s tenure has not enhanced safety and has become softer on crime.
Weiser has frequently challenged the Trump administration in legal matters, including issues around birthright citizenship and immigration.
“He hasn’t made our state safer. It’s softer on crime, and we’ve experienced it. So folks are ready for a change,” Marx asserted.
Emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election, Marx stated, “We’re one election away. It’s either me or a Democrat. The DSA didn’t emerge from the Republican Party or Independents. It came through the Democrats.”
Fox News Digital sought comment from Weiser. Ashley J. DiMella covers political topics for Fox News Digital.
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