Democrat Yadira Caraveo announced Friday afternoon that she is abandoning her bid to reclaim her 8th Congressional District seat.
“This was not a decision I made lightly,” she said in a written statement. “Unfortunately, I faced very strong resistance to my candidacy this cycle due almost entirely to the stigmatization of mental health in America. I hope that one day we will see more acceptance and understanding of illnesses like depression, and that leaders at all levels will be able to support those in need in actions and not just words.”
Caraveo was running despite the concerns of Democratic leaders about her mental health and allegations that she mistreated her congressional and campaign staff. The Colorado Sun made those accusations public in May.
Caraveo has struggled to fundraise since launching her candidacy in April and she has not reported any major endorsements.
The 8th District is expected to be one of the most competitive U.S. House races in the nation next year.
Caraveo lost her reelection bid in 2024 to Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans by about 2,500 votes, or less than a percentage point, after a single term in Washington. She was the first person to represent the toss-up district, which spans Denver’s northern suburbs along U.S. 85 into Greeley, and the first Latina elected to Congress from Colorado.
The Sun reported in May that Caraveo’s behavior last year while serving in Congress and running for reelection was so frightening and traumatizing to staff that aides proposed a safety plan requesting that sharp objects be removed from the Thornton Democrat’s offices. They also wanted assurances that subordinates would not be responsible for talking her “through suicidal thoughts” or “keeping her company during a crisis.”
Four former Caraveo aides, who spoke to The Sun on the condition of anonymity, said they felt mistreated and taken advantage of by the congresswoman, especially when her mental health issues led to a pair of harrowing incidents last year. Caraveo twice appeared to attempt suicide in situations witnessed by staffers.
The former staffers said they decided to speak out as Caraveo ran for Congress again to warn people who may be considering working for the Democrat about what they should expect.
“I don’t want other staff to be put in this position,” one former aide said.
Caraveo declined to speak to The Sun about the staffers’ allegations, but in a statement she said “I was in a dark place when I was suffering from depression and I know the disease led me to treat my friends, family and my staff in ways that I regret. I’m deeply sorry.”
Ahead of her 2026 campaign, Caraveo told other news outlets that her mental health had improved and she was ready for the rigors of another run for Congress.
But Caraveo’s weak political position has led at least six other Democrats to announce bids to unseat Evans. They include state Reps. Manny Rutinel of Commerce City and Shannon Bird of Westminster; Colorado Treasurer Dave Young; and Amie Baca-Oehlert, the former head of the Colorado Education Association.
Some of those Democratic candidates released statements Friday thanking Caraveo for her service and acknowledging her achievements.
” As a pediatrician, state legislator and congresswoman, Yadira has always fought to make life better for the next generation,” Bird said. “I’m confident that she’ll bring that same commitment to her next chapter, and thank her for her service to our state.”
Evans has a clear campaign finance advantage over his Democratic challengers. He reported raising about $840,000 from April 1 through June 30. The Fort Lupton congressman had roughly $1.2 million in campaign cash to start July.
Rutinel had $810,000 in cash on hand to start the month, while Bird had $373,000; Caraveo had $92,000; Young had $72,000; and Baca-Oehlert had $29,000.
The Democratic primary in the 8th District will be held in June 2026. It’s unlikely, however, that all of the Democrats running will be on the primary ballot. Candidates must gather signatures or win party support through the caucus and assembly process to secure ballot access.