September 12, 2025 12:30 PM UTC

BREAKING: Yadira Caraveo Withdraws From CO-08 Race

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: CO-08 leading contender Shannon Bird quickly fires off a thank-you to Yadira Caraveo for bowing out:

“Yadira and I joined the Colorado House together in 2019, and I’ve always admired her commitment to public service and delivering for our communities. As a pediatrician, state legislator, and Congresswoman, Yadira has always fought to make life better for the next generation. I’m confident that she’ll bring that same commitment to her next chapter, and thank her for her service to our state.”

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A statement sent out moments ago, former Rep. Yadira Caraveo is withdrawing from the Democratic primary to reclaim her former seat from vulnerable incumbent freshman Rep. Gabe Evans:

THORNTON, CO – Today, Democrat Dr. Yadira Caraveo announced that she will be withdrawing her candidacy from the US House race in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. She released the following statement:
This was not a decision I made lightly.

It was a privilege representing the 8th district in Congress and working for the people of the district, Colorado, and the country. 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. I want to personally thank everyone who voted for me, donated to my campaign, believed in me, volunteered for me, worked for me, and supported me.

I urge all my supporters to continue fighting for change.

This isn’t an unexpected development after Caraveo’s re-entry into the race for the seat she narrowly lost in 2024 failed to gain traction. Caraveo’s departure from this crowded race refocuses attention on the two current frontrunners Manny Rutinel and Shannon Bird, and potentially provides an opening for Treasurer Dave Young to compete against those two. We’ll be watching for this race to further consolidate as spreads in resources emerge down the stretch.

In the meantime, anything that helps clarify the field for Democrats is trouble in the long run for Gabe Evans, who needs among every other lucky break for Democrats to be fighting among themselves.