STATE OF THE RACE: Manny Momentum in CO-08 Continues

3/18/26

Rutinel Wins in Landslide at County Democratic Assemblies

Rutinel Leads Colleagues on Holding ICE Accountable

Rutinel Continues to Lead in Fundraising; Over $3 Million Raised

U.S. Senator Cory Booker Endorses Rutinel

State Rep. Manny Rutinel’s momentum just keeps growing in the race for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, with monumental wins in the Democratic Party assembly process, leadership on holding ICE accountable, new endorsements, and continued strong fundraising cementing his position atop the Democratic primary field and preparing a strong campaign to take on Gabe Evans.

Rutinel Overwhelmingly Wins County Democratic Assemblies; Opponents Drop Out

• Rutinel earned 83% of the vote at the Larimer County Democratic Assembly; the first in-district county to hold their assembly, leading Shannon Bird to drop out of the Democratic Party assembly process before the other two counties in the district held their assemblies.
• Over 90% of delegates at the Adams County and Weld County Assemblies then voted to support Rutinel.
• In every recent election, every Colorado Democrat to win at Assembly and lead in fundraising has won their primary (for statewide or Congressional office).
• Our campaign’s grassroots strength isn’t new. Over 100 volunteers joined Rutinel’s first canvass launch in January, and over 1,000 volunteers have joined the team in total.

Rutinel Leads on ICE, Labor Accountability

• Rutinel led over 30 legislative colleagues in calling for oversight into previously secret ICE facilities that violated even ICE’s own rules for detention. Rutinel visited the facility in Frederick, CO in an attempt to conduct oversight directly; driving coverage of the issue (FOX31 KDVR Denver; Colorado Times Recorder; CTR; La Opinión).
• This leadership on ICE and advantage in grassroots support comes after Rutinel’s primary opponent, Shannon Bird, was the only Democrat to vote against limiting cooperation with ICE in Colorado and against keeping ICE out of Colorado schools and hospitals.
• Rutinel also stood with UFCW 7 members on strike against JBS in Greeley calling for higher wages and better conditions (Greeley Tribune; Denver Post)

Manny Rutinel Maintains Fundraising Lead

• Rutinel has raised over $3 million for his campaign as of late February, compared to just $1.2 million for his closest Democratic opponent as of the most recent filing.
• Over 58,000 grassroots donors have supported Rutinel’s campaign.

Manny Rutinel Grows Endorsement List

• Yesterday, Rutinel announced the endorsement of US Sen. Cory Booker: the first sitting U.S. Senator to endorse in this primary
• Rutinel also recently added the support of Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund.
• Rutinel has also earned endorsements from CHC BOLD PAC, 314 Action, Latino Victory Fund, former U.S. Senators Ken Salazar and Gary Hart, U.S. Representatives Adriano Espaillat, Emily Randall, Robert Garcia, and Rob Menendez, and over 100 elected leaders.