In the first debate between Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo and her Republican challenger state Rep. Gabe Evans, the two sparred over immigration, abortion, and Donald Trump. The debate, hosted by 9News, was the first of two scheduled ahead of their November race to represent the northern suburbs of the 8th Congressional District. Many of the questions focused on immigration, with rapid-fire topic changes that touched on abortion, housing, corporal punishment of children, and anti-immigrant statements made by Trump.
Evans, a freshman state lawmaker from Fort Lupton endorsed by Trump, avoided directly answering questions about Trump’s anti-immigrant statements. He did indicate that he didn’t support Trump’s desire to deport every undocumented immigrant but backed more intensive border security efforts. Caraveo, on the other hand, disavowed some of her previous immigration positions and emphasized the need for a more enforcement-heavy approach.
Caraveo also criticized Republicans for not being serious about immigration and accused Trump of using the issue for political gain. Evans, in turn, criticized Caraveo’s support for a 2019 state law that restricts local law enforcement from providing someone’s immigration status to federal authorities.
Aside from immigration, Caraveo highlighted her work to limit late fees charged to tenants at the state level, while Evans emphasized his bipartisan credentials by noting his success in passing bills in a chamber controlled by Democrats.
On abortion, Evans stated that he did not support a national ban on abortion access and supported exemptions in certain cases. Caraveo expressed support for codifying Roe vs. Wade into law.
