Phil Weiser Debates Greg Lopez as Victor Marx Declines

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Weiser debated independent candidate Greg Lopez on September 19 at Colorado Mesa University's Asteria Theatre in Grand Junction. During the Club 20 Western Colorado Candidate Debates, the two clashed over the state's wolf reintroduction program, which Lopez called a failure and Weiser admitted had room for improvement. Lopez also criticized state regulations for the upcoming closure of Montrose Forest Products, while Weiser proposed serving as a chief marketer for state businesses and creating a rural affairs director to better represent the Western Slope.

Republican nominee Victor Marx declined to participate in the Grand Junction debate and later withdrew from a scheduled appearance on the Aaron Harber Show. Marx stated he would only participate in an unmoderated, candidate-to-candidate conversation, a format Weiser dismissed as unserious. Despite the cancellation, both candidates are expected to appear together at a Colorado Chamber of Commerce forum on October 8, though the event is not a debate.

In separate meetings with Mesa County officials, Weiser outlined broader campaign priorities including youth mental health and the affordability of healthcare and starter homes. While Marx and Lopez both intend to phase out the wolf reintroduction program, Weiser has called for increased collaboration between rural communities and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.