This fall, progressive state Rep. Manny Rutinel is set to face off against GOP Rep. Gabe Evans in what promises to be a fiercely contested general election for Colorado’s 8th District. This race is a key opportunity for Democrats to gain a seat, while Republicans are optimistic about their chances against Rutinel.
Rutinel emerged victorious over the more moderate former state Rep. Shannon Bird in the primary held on Tuesday, thanks to substantial financial backing from his campaign and allied groups. Prominent Latino organizations have thrown their support behind Rutinel, considering him the ideal candidate to win back the crucial Latino voting demographic, which makes up 40 percent of the district’s population.
Republicans believe their odds of defeating Rutinel in this battleground district are stronger than they would have been against Bird. They have capitalized on images of Rutinel alongside democratic socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and are utilizing statements from Bird’s supporters who doubted Rutinel’s ability to win in November.
Rutinel has moderated his stance on several key issues for the left, such as his prior endorsement of Medicare for All and his opposition to fracking.
The primary was a reflection of the ongoing ideological struggle within the Democratic Party. Bird secured endorsements from moderate Democratic groups, including EMILYs List and the Blue Dogs. However, Rutinel capitalized on a committee vote by Bird, arguing it fell short in opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Democrats are optimistic about flipping the district, which President Donald Trump won by a narrow margin of less than 2 points in 2024. The Democrats’ primary House super PAC has already set aside millions for advertising in anticipation of the November election.
On the other side, Evans, a freshman Republican who turned the district in his party’s favor in 2024, has amassed $3.4 million for the general election as Democrats engaged in a heated primary battle.
