A county-produced campaign flyer depicted Democratic nominee Phil Weiser with horns and labeled him "The Next Threat To Colorado," prompting accusations of antisemitism. 9News anchor Kyle Clark called the image a centuries-old antisemitic trope and cited Weiser's family history with the Holocaust. Montrose County Commissioner Sean Pond, who created the image, said he was unaware Weiser is Jewish and denied antisemitic intent. Colorado Democrats demanded that Victor Marx and other Republicans condemn the flyer.
‘Antisemitic’ Campaign Flyer Targets Phil Weiser — Colorado Democrats Demand Condemnation
Screenshot via X
A county-produced campaign flyer showing Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Weiser with horns under the headline "The Next Threat to Colorado" has prompted accusations of antisemitism and calls for an immediate denunciation from Colorado Democrats.
What Happened
The flyer, circulated among Republican circles and created by Montrose County Commissioner Sean Pond, depicted Weiser — who is Jewish — with horns and described him as part of a "radical extreme" that is "dangerous for Colorado." Local 9News anchor Kyle Clark shared the image on social media and called the depiction "a centuries-old, dehumanizing, antisemitic trope," noting Weiser's family history with the Holocaust.
"Depicting Jewish people with horns is a centuries-old, dehumanizing, antisemitic trope. Democratic Gov nominee Phil Weiser is outspoken about his mother's birth in a Nazi concentration camp, his family members killed in the Holocaust, and the threat posed by antisemitism today." — Kyle Clark
Pond told Clark he "was unaware Weiser is Jewish" and denied any antisemitic intent, saying the image was political satire with no religious message. Colorado's Democratic Party responded on X, calling the flyer "disgusting and antisemitic" and demanding that Victor Marx and other Republican leaders denounce it.
Broader Context
Republican candidate Victor Marx has attracted national attention for a series of controversial claims about his past and for running a ministry in Colorado that promotes exorcisms and says it rescues endangered children and Christians overseas. Clark previously reviewed more than 100 hours of Marx's sermons and appearances, documenting the ministry's messaging and Marx's self-described role as a "demon hunter."
The incident has intensified scrutiny of campaign tactics in the Colorado governor's race, raising questions about where political satire ends and hateful imagery begins.
Help us improve.
