Dave
Wood
Retired computer programmer and Libertarian running for Colorado's competitive 8th Congressional District in 2026
- sources
- 6
- positions
- 8
- endorsements
- 0
Background
Dave Wood is the Libertarian Party candidate for Colorado's 8th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026 general election, challenging Republican incumbent Gabe Evans. Wood describes himself as retired and currently lives in Westminster, Colorado. 1915
Wood was born in Rockford, Illinois, and his family moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1953. He graduated from Boulder High School in 1962, attended the University of Colorado Boulder on a Kiwanis scholarship, and later studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He subsequently completed a year of computer operations and programming coursework. 1
Before retiring in 2018, Wood's career included managing health and beauty stores in Boston, operating a TV repair shop in Colorado after returning in 1976, designing and installing antenna systems, and spending approximately 28 years at an internet marketing startup he joined in 1990. He also ran for Superior mayor in 1979, receiving roughly 40% of the vote, though he did not win that race. 13
At a glance
- Party
- Libertarian
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 8, Colorado
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Retired; Libertarian candidate for U.S. House, Colorado District 8
- Website
- davewood4colorado.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 7debateCO-08 debate held between Evans and Rutinel; Wood not invited or participating
Republican Gabe Evans and Democrat Manny Rutinel held what was described as their only scheduled face-to-face debate in Berthoud. Dave Wood was not a participant in the event.
Gabe Evans and Manny Rutinel hold fiery debate in Colorado congressional swing seat race · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 3newsDenver Post candidate guide publishes policy positions attributed to Wood; he did not return questionnaire
The Denver Post's voter guide listed Wood's policy positions, including ending U.S. military intervention, increasing immigration judges, opposing deportations of peaceful immigrants, supporting a balanced-budget amendment, and favoring free trade over tariffs. The Post noted Wood did not return its questionnaire.
Colorado U.S. House District 8 candidate Q&A · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2newsBallotpedia notes Wood among three competitors in CO-08, a district decided by under 1 point in 2022 and 2024
Ballotpedia coverage identified Wood alongside Republican incumbent Gabe Evans and Democrat Manny Rutinel in the November general election for Colorado's 8th District.
Evans, Rutinel, and Wood compete in Colorado's 8th District, decided by less than 1 percentage point in 2022 and 2024 · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25newsCPR profiles Wood as Libertarian running on limited-government principles in CO-08
Colorado Public Radio reported that Wood lives in Westminster and is running on Libertarian principles, supporting a limited role for government. He favors bringing U.S. troops home and opposes forcing them to serve overseas.
8th Congressional District third-party candidates · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 28filingColorado SOS ballot-order drawing lists Wood as Libertarian candidate in CO-08
The Colorado Secretary of State's Office held a lot drawing to set general-election ballot order for congressional candidates. Dave Wood was listed as the Libertarian candidate for Colorado's 8th Congressional District.
Colorado U.S. House District 8 candidate Q&A · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jan 1, 1977newsDave Wood pardoned following 1966 draft resistance
Wood received a pardon in 1977 related to his 1966 draft challenge and imprisonment, as reported by CPR.
8th Congressional District third-party candidates · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jan 1, 1966newsDave Wood challenges military draft, goes to jail
Wood challenged the military draft in 1966 and was jailed as a result. He was later pardoned in 1977, according to CPR's profile.
8th Congressional District third-party candidates · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Sources 6
- [1] Gabe Evans and Manny Rutinel hold fiery debate in Colorado congressional swing seat race(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] Colorado U.S. House District 8 candidate Q&A(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [3] Colorado U.S. House District 8 candidate Q&A - The Denver Post(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
- [4] Dave Wood for Congress(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [5] Evans, Rutinel, and Wood compete in Colorado's 8th District, decided by less than 1 percentage point in 2022 and 2024(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [6] 8th Congressional District third-party candidates(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026