State Rep. Shannon Bird is the latest Democrat to jump into the race to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans in Colorado’s highly competitive 8th Congressional District.
A centrist who sits on the legislature’s powerful Joint Budget Committee, Bird announced her candidacy Tuesday, saying she’s running because “our economy and our freedoms and our future are under attack.”
“I am running to protect what matters most — our democracy, our economy and our future — and to stand up to the damage being done by Trump and Evans to make sure every Coloradan is getting a fair shot,” Bird said in an interview with The Colorado Sun ahead of her campaign announcement.
Before being elected a state representative in 2018, Bird was a city councilwoman in Westminster, where she lives. She previously worked as an attorney.
The toss-up district spans Denver’s northern suburbs along U.S. 85 into Greeley. The outcome of the 2026 race could determine which party controls the U.S. House.
Evans ousted the Democratic incumbent, Yadira Caraveo, in November by about 2,500 votes, or less than a percentage point.
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Yadira Caraveo’s former aides say they were mistreated, traumatized by Colorado congresswoman
The Thornton Democrat twice appeared to attempt suicide last year in situations witnessed by staffers while she was running for reelection and serving in Congress. Aides asked that a safety plan be implemented, but say they were rebuffed and given an ultimatum.
Read moreCaraveo, who lives in Thornton, is running to reclaim her seat despite the concerns of Democratic leaders about her mental health and allegations that she mistreated her congressional and campaign staff. Also running in the district’s Democratic primary is state Rep. Manny Rutinel of Commerce City, who has raised more than $1 million since he jumped into the race at the end of January
Amie Baca-Oehlert, the former president of the Colorado Education Association, and Colorado Treasurer Dave Young are also expected to joim the Democratic primary in the upcoming weeks.
Another Democrat, Evan Munsing, a Marine veteran who now works in private equity, is also rumored to be mulling a bid in the 8th District.
When it comes to Caraveo, with whom Bird served in the Colorado legislature, Bird said her decision to run wasn’t influenced by any other candidate in the race or likely to jump in.
“I respect everybody who has got the courage to put their names forward to stand up for Colorado,” she said. “I’m saddened to hear about the news for Yadira. I know Yadira and I’m so sorry to hear she’s having these struggles. My heart also goes out to anyone who has felt unsafe at work or who’s facing mental health challenges.”
Bird had been running for a seat in the state Senate. She’ll abandon that bid as she seeks a seat in Congress instead.
Bird said she plans to continue serving in the legislature as she runs in the 8th District.