STATE OF THE RACE: Manny Momentum in CO-08

Press Release
Written By

2/27/26

Rutinel Raises Over $3 Million Total and Over $500,000 so far in Q1

Former Interior Secretary, U.S. Senator Ken Salazar Endorses Rutinel Former CO-08 Candidate Baca-Oehlert adds to Endorsement List

Grassroots Base Includes Hundreds of Volunteers

Manny Rutinel continues to hold the momentum in the race for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, with surging fundraising numbers, endorsements, and grassroots support, positioning him atop the Democratic primary field and preparing a strong campaign to take on Gabe Evans.

Manny Rutinel Accelerates Fundraising Lead

  • Rutinel has raised over $3 million for his campaign, compared to just $1.2 million for his closest Democratic opponent as of the most recent filing
  • Today, Rutinel announced raising over $500,000 in the first 56 days of the first quarter - already outpacing his last three quarters with over a month to go
  • Over 55,000 grassroots donors have supported Rutinel’s campaign
  • Over 99% of donations are for $200 or less
  • Rutinel is the only legislator in the race who’s never taken corporate PAC money

While Rutinel Leads on Immigration, Opponents Support Working With ICE

  • Rutinel cosponsored legislation to limit cooperation with ICE in Colorado and keep ICE out of Colorado schools and clinics; his primary opponent, Shannon Bird, was the only Democrat to vote against limiting cooperation with ICE in Colorado

Manny Rutinel Grows Endorsement List

  • Last month, Rutinel announced the endorsement of Ken Salazar, former Secretary of the Interior and U.S. Senator from Colorado
  • This week, former Colorado Education Association President and former CO-08 candidate Amie Baca-Oehlert endorsed Rutinel, citing his cosponsorship of a bill to limit ICE operations in Colorado, and that his main primary opponent sided with Republicans to oppose that bill to protect immigrants from ICE brutality
  • Rutinel has also earned endorsements from CHC BOLD PAC, 314 Action, Latino Victory Fund, and U.S. Representatives Adriano Espaillat, Emily Randall, Robert Garcia, and Rob Menendez

Groundswell of Grassroots Support for Rutinel

  • Over 100 volunteers joined Rutinel’s petition launch - an extraordinary number for a Congressional primary campaign
  • Over 1000 volunteers total have signed up to join the team
  • Hundreds of new supporters have met Rutinel at a series of meet-and-greets across the district
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Greeley City Councilmembers Butler, DeBoutez endorse Manny Rutinel for Congress