Key Takeaways
- Colorado Treasurer Dave Young has ended his campaign in the 8th Congressional District due to a family health issue
- The Democratic primary is now a three-way race between state Reps. Shannon Bird and Manny Rutinel, and Marine veteran Evan Munsing
- Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans is increasing his financial war chest, with nearly $2 million to start October
- The Democratic primary in the 8th District will be held in June, with the winner facing off against Evans in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts
Introduction to the Campaign
Colorado Treasurer Dave Young announced on Friday morning that he is ending his campaign in the 8th Congressional District. This decision comes after a family member entered a serious health situation, requiring Young’s focus and care. In a written statement, Young explained that his family must come first, and stepping back from the race to care for them, as well as continuing to fulfill his duties as state treasurer, is the responsible choice. This decision was not entirely unexpected, as Young had struggled to gain traction in the crowded 8th District Democratic primary after entering the contest in June.
The Current State of the Democratic Primary
With Young’s departure from the contest, the Democratic primary is now effectively a three-way race. State Reps. Shannon Bird of Westminster and Manny Rutinel of Commerce City are currently leading the pack in terms of fundraising and endorsements. They are followed by Evan Munsing, a Marine veteran running for elected office for the first time. This development sets the stage for a competitive primary, with the winner facing off against Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts. The 8th District spans Denver’s northern suburbs along U.S. 85 into Greeley, making it a crucial seat for both parties.
The Road to the Primary
Young’s decision to leave the race follows the exit of former U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo and Amie Baca-Oehlert, the former head of Colorado’s largest teachers union. Caraveo was seeking to reclaim her seat, which she lost to Evans by about 2,500 votes in 2024 in a race that helped give the GOP control of Congress. The Democratic primary in the 8th District will be held in June, giving the remaining candidates several months to campaign and build support. Meanwhile, Evans is increasing his financial war chest, with nearly $2 million to start October. This significant fundraising advantage could give Evans an edge in the general election, making it even more important for the Democratic candidates to coalesce support and resources.
The Significance of the 8th District
The 8th Congressional District is considered one of the most competitive in the nation, making the upcoming election a high-stakes contest. The district’s demographics and voting patterns suggest that it could be a bellwether for the national political landscape. As such, the Democratic primary and subsequent general election will be closely watched by political observers and analysts. The candidates’ ability to connect with voters, build a strong campaign infrastructure, and secure key endorsements will be crucial in determining the outcome of the election. With the primary still several months away, the remaining Democratic candidates will need to focus on building momentum and distinguishing themselves from their opponents in order to emerge victorious.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the departure of Dave Young from the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary has set the stage for a competitive three-way race. The remaining candidates, state Reps. Shannon Bird and Manny Rutinel, and Marine veteran Evan Munsing, will need to build support and resources in order to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans in the general election. With the primary scheduled for June, the candidates have several months to campaign and build momentum. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for the national political landscape, making the 8th Congressional District a crucial seat to watch in the upcoming election cycle. As the campaign season heats up, it will be important to monitor the candidates’ progress and the evolving dynamics of the race.
