Progressive Manny Rutinel projected to win the Democratic primary in CD-8

Progressive candidate Manny Rutinel is projected to win the Democratic primary in Colorado's 8th Congressional District, a seat considered a toss-up in the upcoming U.S. House elections. As of Tuesday evening, Rutinel, a current state representative, had garnered 60.6% of the vote, significantly leading Shannon Bird, who received 34.6%. Evan Munsing was also on the ballot but had withdrawn from the race.

“

This is one of the most important races in the country.

Rutinel's victory positions him to challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Gabe Evans in what is anticipated to be a closely contested general election. The 8th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of the Denver metro area and includes Greeley in Larimer and Weld counties, is crucial for determining control of the U.S. House. Rep. Evans ran unopposed in the Republican primary and is seeking his second term in Congress.

“

stand up to Donald Trump and fight for working people.

"This is one of the most important races in the country," Rutinel stated, emphasizing the district's significance. He told CBS Colorado that voters are seeking leaders prepared to "stand up to Donald Trump and fight for working people." Rutinel, a Yale Law School graduate and member of the Colorado General Assembly's House Energy & Environment Committee, has vowed to oppose Trump's policies if elected. He highlighted the district's large Latino population, asserting the need for representatives who understand the community's struggles and aspirations.

“

take back control of our Congress.

Shannon Bird, also a state lawmaker, had campaigned on her experience in addressing housing affordability and expanding access to healthcare. The general election is scheduled for November 3. Rutinel's campaign has focused on issues pertinent to working families and minority communities, framing the election as a critical battle for voting rights and representation.

“

Donald Trump is guiding the Voting Rights Act with the Supreme Court and stripping Black and Brown people of their voting power, Black and Brown members for Congress of their voting power. This is one of the most Latino districts in the entire country, the most Latino district in the state. So we need to be able to put on leaders to stand up to Donald Trump and understand the struggles of working people, understand the struggles of their community, understand their visions and their dreams.