In that episode Marx said he was praying for a teenage girl held in a high‑security youth prison in Texas when he felt a demon appear. He claimed the demon answered his question about its name with, “I am Satan,” and described the whole encounter as “horrible.”

Marx also founded All Things Possible Ministries, a Christian organization that describes its mission as freeing people spiritually, emotionally and physically. His campaign emphasizes public safety, social conservatism and a “steely spine” approach that he says only a Marine background can provide.

The story is drawing fresh media focus because Marx is now facing Democrat Phil Weiser, Colorado’s current attorney general, in a tightly watched gubernatorial race. Reporters and voters are asking whether the sensational claim will help or hurt his bid for office.

Both supporters and critics see the Satan anecdote as a test of how personal, extraordinary narratives can shape modern political campaigns.