Meet U.S. House Candidate

Since it was created in 2021, CO 08 has been a true swing district, electing a Democrat in 2022 by fewer than 1,600 votes, and incumbent Republican Gabe Evans in 2024 by fewer than 2,500 votes. Trump carried this district by less than 2% in ‘24. CO 08 is a critical “flip” opportunity for Democrats to retake the House. Rutinel defeated two opponents in the Democratic primary with 61% of the vote. About 40% of the district is Hispanic and Immigration was a central issue of the campaign. Hispanic voters will have an important voice in determining the winner of this race. One of Rutinel’s opponents in the primary, veteran state senator Shannon Bird, has endorsed him, saying in her concession speech: “Unlike Gabe Evans, Manny will fight to protect our freedoms and to lower costs, and I urge everyone to unite behind his campaign so we can flip the House and stop this reckless administration from continuing to wreak havoc on our communities.” (Colorado Public Radio, 6/30/26) The November contest between Rutinel and Evans is expected to extend the district’s extreme competitiveness. Evans is widely considered one of the most vulnerable Republicans up for reelection in ‘26. Colorado’s politics have a distinct urban-rural divide, often defined by water rights. Urban areas and, increasingly, suburban communities are reliably Democratic. Republican strength is concentrated in more rural locations particularly in the eastern plains region. CO 08 stretches northeast from the Denver suburbs to Greeley. The Cook Political Report, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, and Inside Elections all rate this race Toss-up.