Colorado Republican Rep. Gabe Evans faces Democrat Manny Rutinel in tight 8th District race
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Polls closed at 7 p.m. in Colorado's 8th Congressional District race between Republican Rep.
The seat is key to which party controls the U.S. House.
Background
Gabe Evans is the Republican U.S. Representative for Colorado's 8th Congressional District, elected in 2024 after beating one-term Democratic Rep. Yadria Caraveo; he was previously an Arvada police officer and a state representative. Manny Rutinel, a Democrat and former state representative, is challenging him. The 8th District race is widely considered one of the most competitive in the country, with the seat key to which party controls the U.S. House, and it drew about $11 million in outside spending since the June 30 primary.
How it unfolded
- 2024Gabe Evans was elected to Congress, beating Democratic Rep. Yadria Caraveo, who had served one term.
- Jul 22, 2025Colorado Newsline reported that Evans misrepresented his family's immigration history, providing documents claiming he repeatedly lied about his grandfather entering the U.S. legally.
- Aug 27, 2026Evans, endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, shook hands with Chamber executive director John Gonzales at Fritangas Mexican Restaurant in Denver.
- Oct 7, 2026Evans and Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel debated at Grace Place Auditorium in Berthoud, hosted by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor.
- Oct 22, 2026Angel Merlos, with the LIBRE Initiative, canvassed for Evans in a Thornton neighborhood; by Election Day he expected to have rung about 38,000 doorbells across the 8th District.
- Oct 29, 2026Senior Detective Adan Holguin received a letter of reprimand for appearing in an Evans campaign ad in department-issued gear.
- Nov 3, 2026Polls closed at 7 p.m. in the Evans–Rutinel race; the three counties in the district were to begin releasing first results shortly after.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Adams County Sheriff's Office said appearances on television while representing the office require the sheriff's approval, "which was not sought nor granted in this instance."
- Support
- Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams said the ad featuring him and Capt. Matt Turner was above board because sheriffs dictate policy and other employees just need permission, which Turner asked for and received.
- Party
- The Colorado Democratic Party said on X that Evans "would have deported his own grandpa."
- Support
- Angel Merlos of the LIBRE Initiative, canvassing for Evans, said, "This is also Gabe versus Manny Rutinel, not Manny Rutinel versus Trump."
Still unverified
Colorado Newsline's claim that Evans misrepresented his family's immigration history rests on documents it provided; Evans has dismissed concerns about expanded ICE activity, accusing critics of "vilifying the law enforcement agents working to make our communities safer."