From exorcisms to campaign finance violations, unpacking Colorado’s 2026 race for Governor

It's been an unusual campaign season as the two major party candidates vie for votes.

They’ve never debated in a traditional, moderated setting. They’ve shared the stage only once, during a scripted forum in early October. It’s also lopsided: The Democrat, current state attorney general Phil Weiser, is heavily favored to win. On the Republican side, Victor Marx is a political newcomer putting his faith at the center of his campaign, which has also been mired by questions about his wild backstory as a “high-risk humanitarian.” 

CPR’s Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun’s Jesse Paul and The Denver Post’s Seth Klamann discuss the difference in background, credentials, campaign style and policy between these two candidates. 

Catch up on our latest coverage:

• CPR News’ 2026 midterm elections voter guide
• CPR News: Colorado Governor candidates Victor Marx and Phil Weiser share stage for a non-debate
• CPR News: Victor Marx’s spending is as unusual as the rest of his campaign
• CPR News: How Democrat Phil Weiser says he would govern Colorado
• The Colorado Sun: Where Phil Weiser, Victor Marx stand on the big issues in Colorado’s race for governor
• The Colorado Sun: A conversation with Phil Weiser
• The Denver Post: Victor Marx, an unorthodox candidate, aims to harness AI and bring more accountability to the state as governor
• The Denver Post: As Victor Marx faces questions about merch sales, he says finance record linking him to site was ‘silly mistake’

Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. CPR’s public affairs editor is Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions.