The 2024 battle in Colorado’s highly competitive 8th Congressional District just ended, which means the 2026 race has already begun.
Democrats began their efforts to unseat Republican U.S. Rep.-elect Gabe Evans two years from now almost as soon as he beat Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo by about 2,500 votes, or less than a percentage point, in the Nov. 5 election. And the party has a list of candidates who are eyeing an 8th District bid in 2026 or are rumored to be in the running, even though Evans won’t be sworn into office until early next year.
Caraveo is atop the list. She isn’t ruling out a 2026 bid in the district, which spans Denver’s northern suburbs along U.S. 85 into Greeley.
“Congresswoman Caraveo is currently back in Washington, D.C., laser-focused on delivering results for the 8th District,” said Kevin Porter, a spokesperson for Caraveo. “From passing a farm bill to ensuring the government remains open, there is still much work to be done. Over the coming months and into the new year, she will reflect on her term, evaluate potential next steps, and consider how she can best serve the people of Colorado in the future.”
Should Caraveo not run again — or even if she doesn’t step aside — here are the other Democrats who may run in the 8th District next election cycle:
- Former state Rep. Joe Salazar of Thornton. “I have been contacted,” he told The Colorado Sun. “I have not decided what I plan on doing. My focus is to prepare my community for the horrors a second Trump administration will bring.”
- State Sen. Kyle Mullica of Thornton. He didn’t respond to a request for comment.
- Adams County Commissioner-elect Julie Duran Mullica of Thornton. She is Kyle Mullica’s wife.
- State Rep. Manny Rutinel of Commerce City. “I have been receiving calls about CD8 and I’m extremely honored that people think I would be a strong candidate for this critical congressional seat,” he said. “However, with … the election still fresh for all of us, especially Rep. Caraveo and her team, I think we should take a step back and take a moment to look at what the people of CD8 are really asking for.”
- State Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Commerce City. “I have heard from some people (but) have not spoken with Yadira yet to even decide,” she said in a text message.
- State Rep. Shannon Bird of Westminster. She didn’t respond to a Colorado Sun message gauging her interest.
- Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio. He didn’t respond to a Colorado Sun message gauging his interest.
- Colorado Treasurer Dave Young, who is term-limited come 2026. He declined to comment on his interest.