Resurfaced videos and posts reported by The Daily Beast show GOP gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx describing violent acts—including body-slamming his wife and throwing his toddler—and saying he has a "gift for violence." Marx, an evangelical minister and Marine veteran who has also spoken about alleged demonic possession and a traumatic childhood claim, narrowly won the Republican primary and will face Democrat Phil Weiser in November. The clips have strained relations with Colorado's GOP establishment and intensified scrutiny of Marx's personal history.
Resurfaced Clips Show Colorado GOP Nominee Victor Marx Admitting Violent Acts and Saying He Has a 'Gift for Violence'
Victor Marx, here on June 30, described body slamming his wife, throwing his toddler across a room and claimed God had given him a "gift for violence" in a series of videos and posts uncovered by The Daily Beast. Hyoung Chang via Getty Images
Newly highlighted videos and social posts reported by The Daily Beast have renewed scrutiny of Victor Marx, the Republican nominee for Colorado governor, after he described multiple violent incidents in which he said he body-slammed his wife and threw his young son across a room. Marx, an evangelical minister, Marine veteran and political newcomer, has also made public claims about demonic possession and a traumatic childhood incident involving his stepfather.
Incidents Described in Resurfaced Clips
In a 2021 appearance on the "The Protector Nation" podcast, Marx said he became "infuriated" when his wife told him she no longer needed martial arts training because she "was married to a black belt Marine," and that he then "remember[ed] grabbing her and slamming her into our front door," according to the reporting.
On his own podcast in 2020, Marx recounted another episode involving his toddler-aged son. He said he "suddenly and disproportionately" lost his temper after the child pushed his sister; the audio clip includes Marx saying, "I snatched him up and threw him across the room." Those audio recordings remain publicly available online, per the reporting.
At the 2023 Turning Point USA Pastors Summit, Marx reportedly framed his aggression in spiritual terms, saying, "I feel like God gave me a gift for violence, against a manifestation of evil."
Political Context
Marx, who has never held elective office, narrowly prevailed in the June Republican primary over State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer and State Representative Scott Bottoms. His nomination has unsettled parts of Colorado's Republican establishment: a former state party chairman identified in reporting as "Wadham" told The New York Times, "I want Victor Marx to lose by as large a margin as possible. This party has got to come to its senses."
Marx will face Democrat Phil Weiser, Colorado's attorney general since 2019, in the November general election. Colorado currently has no Republicans in statewide office; the last GOP governor was elected in 2002.
Why It Matters
The resurfaced clips have intensified public and media attention on Marx's personal history and public statements as he campaigns statewide. Supporters, critics and party leaders are weighing the political and ethical implications of his remarks ahead of a competitive general election.
Reporting described above was first highlighted by The Daily Beast and has been discussed in other outlets; this article summarizes those published accounts without new, independent reporting.
Help us improve.
