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D Democratic · U.S. House 8, Colorado · Nov 3, 2026

Manny
Rutinel

Democrat Manny Rutinel challenges Republican incumbent Gabe Evans for Colorado's 8th Congressional District in 2026

Researched checked 6 d ago
sources
24
positions
12
endorsements
42
mannyforcolorado.com ↗(opens in a new tab) X(opens in a new tab)Facebook(opens in a new tab)Instagram(opens in a new tab)
Opponents Gabe Evans R+ 1 more Compare race →

Background

Manny Rutinel is the Democratic nominee for Colorado's 8th Congressional District in the November 3, 2026 general election, challenging Republican incumbent Gabe Evans. He previously served in the Colorado House of Representatives representing House District 32, having been appointed in October 2023, elected to a full term in 2024, and resigning in September 2026 to focus on his congressional campaign. 31213

Before entering politics, Rutinel worked as an economist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and later as an attorney at Earthjustice, an environmental law organization. He also led Climate Refarm, an organization focused on climate and agriculture, and worked at McDonald's during high school. 3

Rutinel holds an associate degree from Pasco-Hernando State College, bachelor's degrees in economics and microbiology from the University of Florida, a master's degree in applied economics from Johns Hopkins University, and a J.D. from Yale Law School. He resides in Commerce City, Colorado. 311

At a glance

Party
Democratic
Running for
U.S. House · District 8, Colorado
Election
Nov 3, 2026
Current office
Democratic nominee for Colorado's 8th Congressional District (former Colorado state representative)
Website
mannyforcolorado.com(opens in a new tab)

Where they stand

Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.

Timeline

  1. Oct 11
    poll
    New poll shows CD-8 race essentially tied, with warning signs for both Evans and Rutinel

    The Colorado Sun reported a new poll characterizing the race as essentially tied, while flagging that the poll was conducted by a Republican firm for a conservative nonprofit sponsor that supports Evans.

    8th Congressional District race is essentially tied, poll shows, with warning signs for both Gabe Evans and Manny Rutinel · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  2. Oct 10
    news
    CBS Colorado reports Gov. Polis's appointment of a replacement for Rutinel's District 32 seat

    CBS News Colorado covered Gov. Polis's announcement of the appointment to fill the vacancy created by Rutinel's resignation from the state House.

    Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announces District 32 representative after Manny Rutinel's resignation · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  3. Oct 9
    news
    Gov. Polis appoints Maria Gonzalez to fill Rutinel's vacant HD-32 state House seat

    Following Rutinel's September resignation from the Colorado House, Governor Jared Polis appointed Maria Gonzalez to represent District 32.

    Gov. Jared Polis appoints replacement for Manny Rutinel's ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  4. Oct 8
    news
    Colorado Pols declares Rutinel the winner of the Oct. 7 debate

    Colorado Pols published a post-debate assessment crediting Rutinel with winning the high-stakes debate, while also lamenting it was not televised.

    Manny Rutinel Wins High-Stakes Debate That Really Should Have ... · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  5. Oct 7
    news
    Outside spending in CD-8 race tops $11 million, with Republican-leaning groups outspending Democratic-leaning groups

    Aspen Public Radio reported about $11 million in outside spending since the June 30 primary, with Republican-leaning groups spending about $2 million more. Democratic-leaning outside groups supporting Rutinel included the League of Conservation Voters' super PAC and Mainstream Colorado Fund.

    Candidates, outside groups spending big on Colorado's ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  6. Oct 7
    debate
    Evans and Rutinel debate in Berthoud in their only scheduled face-to-face encounter

    The hourlong debate, hosted by the Berthoud Surveyor and sponsored by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, drew about 200 people. The candidates clashed over health care, immigration, and public safety. Evans called Rutinel the 'most radical candidate'; Rutinel said Evans 'seeks the approval of one man' — Donald Trump.

    Manny Rutinel, Gabe Evans take stage in 8th ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  7. Oct 7
    endorsement
    AFGE, the largest federal employee union, endorses Rutinel in CD-8

    The American Federation of Government Employees announced endorsements of four Colorado congressional candidates, including Rutinel for the 8th District seat.

    Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 4 Candidates ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  8. Oct 4
    news
    Rutinel pledges in Spanish-language interview to reverse 'Trump and Evans's cuts to Medicaid'

    In an interview with El Comercio de Colorado, Rutinel emphasized health care, saying he would support reversing cuts to Medicaid he attributed to Trump and Evans.

    Rutinel: “I will support reversing Trump and Evans’s cuts to Medicaid” · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  9. Oct 3
    news
    Rutinel tells Denver Post he would ban corporate donations, prohibit congressional stock trading, and enact term limits

    In a Denver Post candidate questionnaire, Rutinel outlined reform priorities and noted his campaign does not accept corporate PAC money.

    Colorado U.S. House District 8 candidate Q&A · Oct 3, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  10. Sep 25
    endorsement
    CPR voter guide reports endorsements for Rutinel from Ken Salazar, Gary Hart, and Latino and labor groups

    CPR's voter guide noted that former U.S. Senators Ken Salazar and Gary Hart, as well as Latino and labor organizations, had endorsed Rutinel in the CD-8 race.

    8th Congressional District: Democrat Manny Rutinel · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  11. Sep 24
    poll
    Poll commissioned by Evans-supporting group shows Evans at 48%, Rutinel at 46%

    A McLaughlin and Associates survey of 400 likely district voters (conducted Sept. 16–17) for conservative nonprofit Enhancing American Competitiveness found Evans leading 48%–46%, within the 4.9-point margin of error. The sponsor supports Evans and does not disclose its donors.

    Evans leads Rutinel, Trump approval falls in Colorado polling · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  12. Sep 7
    news
    Rutinel resigns his Colorado House District 32 seat to focus on congressional campaign

    Rutinel stepped down from his state House seat representing District 32, creating a vacancy that Gov. Polis would later fill by appointment.

    Gov. Jared Polis appoints replacement for Manny Rutinel's ... · Oct 9, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  13. Sep 4
    filing
    Colorado certifies general-election ballot including Rutinel, Evans, and Libertarian Dave Wood

    Colorado's certified general-election candidate list for CD-8 was certified to counties on Sept. 4, with the election set for Nov. 3.

    Colorado 8th District Race 2026: Evans vs. Rutinel · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  14. Jun 30
    news
    Fundraising figures show Evans with large cash advantage over Rutinel as of June 30

    Evans had raised $5.3 million by June 30, about $1 million more than Rutinel. Evans held nearly $3.9 million in cash on hand compared with about $600,000 for Rutinel.

    Manny Rutinel, Gabe Evans take stage in 8th ... · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  15. Jun 30
    endorsement
    CHC BOLD PAC congratulates Rutinel on winning the Democratic nomination

    The Congressional Hispanic Caucus's political arm congratulated Rutinel on his primary victory, saying it would help turn out Latino voters.

    CHC BOLD PAC Endorses Eliott Rodriguez for Congress in Florida's ... · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
  16. Jun 30
    news
    Rutinel wins Democratic primary against Shannon Bird, securing nomination

    Manny Rutinel defeated former state representative Shannon Bird in the Democratic primary for Colorado's 8th Congressional District, winning the party's nomination.

    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)

Endorsements

  • UNIDOS US Action organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Gary Hart official
    Former U.S. Senator; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Mike Weissman official
    Colorado State Senator; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • SEIU Local 105 union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No separate dated announcement found. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Emily Randall official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Teresa Leger Fernandez official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Jennifer Bacon official
    Colorado State Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Andrew Boesenecker official
    Colorado State Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Emma Pinter official
    Adams County Commissioner; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • United Auto Workers union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • United Farm Workers union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • 314 Action organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Lou Correa official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Wellington Webb official
    Denver's former mayor; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Food and Commercial Workers union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Unrig Washington organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Rob Menendez official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Elizabeth Velasco official
    Colorado State Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • CWA union
    Communications Workers of America; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • New American Leaders Action organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Cory Booker official
    U.S. Senator; listed as first sitting senator to endorse in the primary. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Linda Sanchez official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Moms Demand Action organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Luz Rivas official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Voces Unidas Action organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Robert Garcia official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Javier Mabrey official
    Colorado State Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • AFT Colorado union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • CHC BOLD PAC organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Ken Salazar official
    Former U.S. Senator; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Pat Ryan official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Colorado WINS union
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No separate dated announcement found. mannyforcolorado.com
  • United for a New Economy Action organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • Adriano Espaillat official
    U.S. Representative; listed on campaign endorsement page. No date given. mannyforcolorado.com
  • American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union
    Announced endorsement October 7, 2026 as one of four Colorado congressional candidates endorsed. afge.org · Oct 7, 2026
  • MoveOn organization
    Endorsement page identifies Rutinel as endorsed; page published September 21, 2026. front.moveon.org · Sep 21, 2026
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund organization
    Endorsed Rutinel as part of a congressional slate announced September 14, 2026. Rutinel posted an endorsement announcement on August 26. plannedparenthoodaction.org · Sep 14, 2026
  • Reproductive Freedom for All organization
    Announced endorsement August 27, 2026, per campaign press page. mannyforcolorado.com · Aug 27, 2026
  • SEIU Colorado union
    Announced endorsement in a release dated August 19, 2026. coloradowins.org · Aug 19, 2026
  • Rocky Mountain Equality Action organization
    Lists Rutinel as endorsed candidate for CD-8; organization announcement dated August 5, 2026. rmequality.org · Aug 5, 2026
  • GIFFORDS organization
    Candidate page identifies Rutinel as endorsed; page dated July 30, 2026. giffords.org · Jul 30, 2026
  • Latino Victory Fund organization
    Listed on campaign endorsement page; on June 8, 2026, Latino Victory announced additional TV/digital/text spending to support Rutinel ahead of the June 30 primary, described as an independent expenditure. latinovictory.org · Jun 8, 2026

Campaign finance

Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.

Raised
$4.34M
Spent
$3.74M
Cash on hand
$601K

As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6CO08013(opens in a new tab)

Sources 24

  1. [1] 8th Congressional District race is essentially tied, poll shows, with warning signs for both Gabe Evans and Manny Rutinel(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
  2. [2] Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announces District 32 representative after Manny Rutinel's resignation(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
  3. [3] Gov. Jared Polis appoints replacement for Manny Rutinel's ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 9, 2026
  4. [4] Manny Rutinel Wins High-Stakes Debate That Really Should Have ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
  5. [5] Candidates, outside groups spending big on Colorado's ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  6. [6] Largest Federal Employee Union Endorses 4 Candidates ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  7. [7] Manny Rutinel, Gabe Evans take stage in 8th ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
  8. [8] CHC BOLD PAC Endorses Eliott Rodriguez for Congress in Florida's ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
  9. [9] Issues | Take Action for Colorado Families — Manny for Colorado(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
  10. [10] Rutinel: “I will support reversing Trump and Evans’s cuts to Medicaid”(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
  11. [11] Colorado U.S. House District 8 candidate Q&A(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  12. [12] Endorsements — Manny for Colorado(opens in a new tab) Oct 3, 2026
  13. [13] 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
  14. [14] Colorado 8th District Race 2026: Evans vs. Rutinel(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
  15. [15] 8th Congressional District: Democrat Manny Rutinel(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  16. [16] Manny Rutinel's Plan to Keep Our Communities Safe(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
  17. [17] Evans leads Rutinel, Trump approval falls in Colorado polling(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
  18. [18] Manny Rutinel : MoveOn: People-Powered Progress(opens in a new tab) Sep 21, 2026
  19. [19] Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorses a Pro- ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 14, 2026
  20. [20] SEIU Colorado Backs Manny Rutinel for Colorado's 8th ...(opens in a new tab) Aug 19, 2026
  21. [21] 2026 General Election Candidate Endorsements(opens in a new tab) Aug 5, 2026
  22. [22] Manny Rutinel(opens in a new tab) Jul 30, 2026
  23. [23] Latino Victory Project Announces it's doubling down on TV ...(opens in a new tab) Jun 8, 2026
  24. [24] Press | Get Involved Today — Manny for Colorado(opens in a new tab) Sep 16, 2025
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