Colorado Republican Party Secretary Russ Andrews has endorsed unaffiliated gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez over the party’s nominee, Victor Marx, citing recent revelations that led him to feel “it was impossible” to support Marx “in good conscience.” Andrews announced his decision on Thursday, emphasizing that integrity is more important to him than maintaining his position within the party.
“I just don’t want my name associated with Victor’s. I’ve got to sleep at night, too,” Andrews told Colorado Politics.
Victor Marx, a Christian ministry leader from Colorado Springs, narrowly secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination in June. He is competing against Attorney General Phil Weiser, the Democratic nominee, and Lopez, who previously served briefly in Congress and is campaigning for a third time for governor after previously leaving the Republican Party.
Andrews shifted his support to Lopez after the emergence of a potential record-setting campaign finance fine against Marx and claims regarding personal violence he described in various recorded statements. Marx faces nearly $60,000 in fines related to alleged violations of campaign finance laws, including accepting contributions above the legal limit and failing to issue refunds timely. Marx is currently appealing this fine, arguing it to be a “political penalty.”
In response to comments made during a podcast — where Marx discussed incidents involving violent actions toward family members — Andrews stated that these revelations raise serious concerns about Marx’s character and suitability for office.
Marx has contested these characterizations, maintaining that they misrepresent his actions and words. In a statement, he assured that Andrews’ endorsement wouldn’t change the GOP’s core mission, which he described as focused on electing leaders with conservative values. He stated, “Coloradans want common-sense leadership… That’s the campaign we are running, and that’s the choice on the ballot.”
Andrews acknowledged that endorsing a candidate other than the Republican nominee violates state party bylaws, but indicated he would resist any efforts to remove him from his party position. “If Craig asks me to resign, I’m not going to,” Andrews remarked, hinting at a willingness to challenge the decision.
State GOP Chairman Craig Steiner commented that the party’s current priority is to focus on winning the upcoming races, stating that any issues related to party rules can be addressed after the election. He emphasized the importance of reaching voters before the November 3 election.
The Colorado Republican Party has recently experienced significant turnover, including the resignations of three vice chairs since 2024. Current Vice Chair Eric Grossman suggested that Andrews’ endorsement reveals deeper issues within the party, stating that it indicates a need for foundational rebuilding.
Some party members have long argued to restrict unaffiliated voters from participating in the party’s primaries. The GOP is currently engaged in legal battles to challenge the state’s semi-open primary system established by Proposition 108 in 2016. Despite previous setbacks in their attempts, party members are pushing to close the primaries to only GOP voters in future elections.
