Marx, a political newcomer who won the Republican primary, is running against Democrat Phil Weiser and independent Greg Lopez. Marx says conversations with residents across Colorado have convinced him that people are ready for a change, particularly in rural communities and among families and small businesses struggling with costs.

“I’ve never said I’m the best candidate, but I know this. I have proven leadership,” Marx said. He said his campaign is focused on listening to voters and solving problems rather than following polls.

Marx has made affordability and government spending central to his case for a change in leadership. He argues that Colorado’s recurring budget gaps reflect excessive spending, not insufficient tax revenue, and says the next governor should identify waste and strengthen oversight. The state faces a third consecutive year in which its deficit could exceed $1 billion, according to the figures cited in the campaign discussion.

“The next governor has got to stop the spending,” Marx said.

He opposes Amendment 87, a ballot measure that would replace Colorado’s flat income-tax rate with a tiered system and is projected to raise $2 billion. Supporters say most residents would receive a tax cut under the proposal, with higher-income earners paying more. Marx argues the measure would hurt successful small businesses and lead to higher costs and fewer jobs.

Marx also opposes Proposition NN, which would let the state keep and spend some or all revenue otherwise subject to taxpayer refunds under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR. He says voters should be able to track existing education spending and determine whether additional funding improves student outcomes before approving more revenue.

The candidate has also highlighted social issues. He supports Proposition 133, concerning penalties for human trafficking of minors, and backs measures restricting transgender girls’ participation in school sports and gender-transition procedures for minors. Marx says children should receive counseling but not undergo permanent medical procedures before adulthood. He also criticized Weiser’s record as attorney general, saying Colorado is too lenient on crime.

Marx’s Christian faith has been prominent in his campaign. He says it informs his personal code and has drawn both support and criticism. He also defended his combative exchanges with journalists, saying media coverage can prioritize sensationalism. Since winning the nomination, he has reduced media appearances and has appeared alongside Weiser once, at a Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce forum.

His campaign has faced questions over campaign-finance reports and contributions that exceeded legal limits. Marx disputed the characterization of $57,000 in fines assessed by the Secretary of State’s Office, but acknowledged mistakes in tracking and processing donations. He said about 200 of nearly 50,000 contributions exceeded limits, that the money was returned, and that some refunds came after the legal deadline. Marx said the campaign plans to appeal, and argued that an accounting operation built for smaller campaigns was overwhelmed by the volume of donations.

Marx said he and his wife had considered leaving Colorado before he entered the race. He said he remains committed to working on affordability, safety and government accountability whether or not he wins, but declined to say whether that would involve another campaign for office.

With Election Day approaching, Marx is counting on his message and the support he says he has encountered on the campaign trail to overcome Weiser’s apparent advantage in the race.