Manny Rutinel wins Democratic primary in 8th District, Colorado’s only toss-up seat

Updated at 10:33 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2026

State Rep. Manny Rutinel cruised to victory Tuesday night, winning the Democratic nomination for the state’s only toss-up seat. He’ll face Republican incumbent Gabe Evans in November.

As of 10:30 p.m., Rutinel had 61% of the vote. State Rep. Shannon Bird had 34%, and military veteran Evan Munsing had 5%.

Rutinel’s supporters cheered loudly when he was declared the winner, chanting “Manny, Manny,” as he took the stage to thank them and his mother, but his victory speech turned quickly to November.

“Together we have shown not just that we can win the primary, but that we stand ready to take the fight to Gabe Evans and flip the nation’s competitive House District,” he said.

In her concession message to supporters, Bird told them it was important they shift their support to Rutinel: “Unlike Gabe Evans, Manny will fight to protect our freedoms and to lower costs, and I urge everyone to unite behind his campaign so we can flip the House and stop this reckless administration from continuing to wreak havoc on our communities.”

But Bird supporter Bob Grant, of Thornton, said he would have a hard time making the switch.

“I'm afraid that Manny is going to have trouble against Gabe Evans,” Grant said. “I don't think he's got the chops. I don't think he's got the experience behind him. I'm afraid that the Republican Party is going to put a lot of money in the Gabe Evans race, and I'm not sure that Manny's up to it.”

Other Bird supporters said the results of Tuesday’s primary made them feel “politically homeless” as the Democratic party shifts leftward. 

“I think a lot of centrists are asleep at the wheel,” said Jason Smith of Denver. “I saw a lot of hope with Shannon Bird and Michael Bennet and other candidates to bring the state together.”

Democrats are counting on Rutinel to flip the 8th Congressional District, which stretches northeast from the Denver suburbs to Greeley, into their column, and potentially help them retake the U.S. House.

Caitlyn Kim/CPR News

Since being created in 2021, the 8th has been a true swing district, electing a Democrat in 2022 by less than 1,600 votes, and Evans in 2024 by less than 2,500 votes.

Republicans were quick to take aim at Rutinel Tuesday night.

"The inmates are running the asylum in the Colorado Democrat Party, and Manny Rutinel is the face of the radical socialist takeover,” said RNC Chairman Joe Gruters. “Voters will reject this lifelong vegan and Green New Deal activist, who has spent his entire adult life working to raise costs and kill jobs."  

Rutinel has said he is no longer a vegan.