November 20, 2025 11:13 AM UTC

EMILYs List Opens The Money Spigot For Shannon Bird

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• by: Colorado Pols

Axios’ John Frank with…he calls it a scoop, we’d say it’s more of a scooplet but definitely worth a mention:

Emily’s List, a key Democratic organization that promotes women in politics, announced its backing state Rep. Shannon Bird in the four-way primary for the all-important 8th Congressional District, Axios scoops.

Why it matters: The Democratic candidates competing to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans are looking to distinguish themselves and endorsements will help drive voter interest and fundraising…

The big picture: Colorado’s 8th Congressional District is one of the most competitive in the nation, and the choice Democrats make could determine whether the party can win back the seat in 2026.

After the other women in the narrowing Democratic primary field for the nomination to take on incumbent Rep. Gabe Evans in 2026 pulled out of the race, the endorsement of the foremost Democratic group promoting women candidates for state Rep. Shannon Bird was a fait accompli. The significance of this endorsement comes in the financial support that being on the EMILYs List radar means for their candidates, both in terms of help from the PAC and routing donations from like-minded donors directly to the candidate.

The nation’s hottest Democratic primary for a shot at America’s Most Vulnerable Incumbent™ is narrowing as we’ve long predicted to a two-person race between Rep. Bird and fellow state Rep. Manny Rutinel, with Bird running to the middle in this swing district and Rutinel running a more lefty activist-lane campaign. Rutinel has maintained a small lead in fundraising over Bird in the first three quarters of 2025, but this endorsement could be enough to level or flip that outlook going forward.

Many have entered, one will win, and Democrats hope that winner has Gabe Evans’ number. This district was drawn with suspense in mind at every step, so enjoy the ride.