Victor Marx Cancelled Scheduled Gubernatorial Debate
The Republican candidate withdrew from a debate after failing to agree on moderator terms with host Aaron Harber.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Elections
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Republican gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx has cancelled his participation in a debate that was to be hosted by The Aaron Harber Show. Marx withdrew from the event following a meeting with the host regarding the format of the discussion.
Why it matters
The cancellation stemmed from a disagreement over the debate structure, as Marx sought a direct candidate-to-candidate conversation without a moderator. Phil Weiser, the Democratic candidate, opposed that format, leading to the breakdown in plans.
The cancelled event was initially slated for early October. Candidates Marx and Weiser remain scheduled to speak at a Colorado Chamber of Commerce forum on October 8.
The players
Victor Marx
He is the Republican candidate running for governor of Colorado.
Phil Weiser
He is the Democratic candidate currently seeking the office of Colorado governor.
Aaron Harber
He is the host of The Aaron Harber Show which was set to organize the debate.
Greg Lopez
He is an unaffiliated candidate participating in the Colorado gubernatorial race.
The details
Victor Marx opted out of the debate after his campaign determined that host Aaron Harber would not meet his preference for a moderator-free forum. The Democratic candidate, Phil Weiser, had previously indicated his opposition to such a structure.
Timeline
In late August 2026, Phil Weiser and Greg Lopez debated in Colorado Springs.
Early in September 2026, Marx and Weiser appeared at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.
On September 19, 2026, Victor Marx confirmed the debate cancellation to CPR.
During the weekend of September 20-21, 2026, Weiser and Lopez are scheduled to debate in Grand Junction.
On October 8, 2026, Marx and Weiser are scheduled to appear at a Chamber of Commerce forum.
Political Context
The debate cancellation highlights ongoing tension regarding candidate participation and forum standards in the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial debate schedule. Opposition parties and advocacy groups often criticize such withdrawals as attempts to limit direct scrutiny during the final stretch of a campaign.
The removal of this debate limits the opportunities for Colorado voters to compare the candidates' policy positions directly. Residents interested in the gubernatorial race should note the remaining appearance scheduled at the Chamber of Commerce forum in October.
The takeaway
Gubernatorial candidates often face intense scrutiny over their debate participation decisions as they balance public exposure with campaign strategy. Voters should monitor official schedules to identify remaining forums where candidates will be held accountable in a moderated environment.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing campaign, visit the Elections section.
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