December 19, 2025 10:35 AM UTC

Dave Young Exits Race in CO-08

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• by: Colorado Pols

And then there were three…

State Treasurer Dave Young (D-Greeley) announced today that he is ending his campaign for Congress in the eighth congressional district, where he had hoped to win the Democratic nomination for the right to challenge incumbent Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Ft. Lupton).

As Jesse Paul reports for The Colorado Sun:

“A member of my family has entered a serious health situation, and my focus has shifted toward caring for them,” Young said in a written statement. “My family must come first, and stepping back from this race to care for my family, as well as continuing to fulfill my duties as state treasurer, is the responsible choice.”

Young struggled to gain traction in the crowded 8th District Democratic primary after entering the contest in June. His decision to leave the race was expected.

Young’s departure from the contest means it’s effectively a three-way Democratic primary race for a chance to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans next year in one of the nation’s most competitive congressional districts.

Democratic state Reps. Shannon Bird of Westminster and Manny Rutinel of Commerce City are leading the pack in terms of fundraising and endorsements, followed by Evan Munsing, a Marine veteran running for elected office for the first time.

Young is the latest Democrat to withdraw from the race in CO-08, following the departures of Amie Baca-Oehlert and former Rep. Yadira Caraveo. Young was an experienced candidate with a strong resume for Congress, but he struggled to compete on the fundraising front with fellow Democrats such as Shannon Bird, Manny Rutinel, and even Evan Munsing.

A former math and technology teacher at Heath Junior High School in Greeley, Young went on to a successful political career that included four terms in the State House of Representatives — including a stint on the powerful Joint Budget Committee. After winning election as State Treasurer in 2018, Young was succeeded in the state legislature by his wife, Mary Young, who served until narrowly losing re-election in 2024. As State Treasurer, Dave Young did an admirable job cleaning up the mess left over from the half-assed work of his predecessor, Republican Walker Stapleton. In 2022, Young became the first Democrat to win re-election as State Treasurer in 32 years.

Young’s involvement in the Democratic Primary in CO-08 likely isn’t over yet; his endorsement should carry weight among undecided Primary voters. He will conclude his final year as State Treasurer in 2026.