State Rep. Manny Rutinel, a Commerce City Democrat, announced Monday on social media that he will run in 2026 to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.
Rutinel is in his second year at the Colorado Capitol. He is a lawyer who is involved in environmental activism.
“As a state representative, I’ve delivered results for Colorado families,” Rutinel posted on X. “In Congress, I’ll fight to make sure hardworking people get the support they deserve.”
Rutinel seeks to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton in the toss-up district, which spans from the northeastern Denver suburbs along U.S. 85 into Greeley.
Evans unseated Democrat Yadira Caraveo of Thornton in November by about 2,500 votes.
Caraveo, who served for one term before her ouster, hasn’t announced whether she plans to run again in 2026, but she indicated in mid-November that she was interested in running for her old seat.
“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,” a spokesperson said at the time.
Other Democrats interested in running in the 8th District in 2026 include:
- Adams County Commissioner-elect Julie Duran Mullica of Thornton
- State Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet of Commerce City
- Adams County Commissioner Steve O’Dorisio
- Colorado Treasurer Dave Young, who is term-limited come 2026
Rutinel campaigned heavily for Caraveo in 2024.
He was appointed to his seat in the legislature by a vacancy committee in October 2023. Last year was his first at the Capitol. He won reelection to a full two-year term in November after running unopposed.