Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo has conceded her bid to continue representing Colorado’s 8th Congressional District to Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans in a closely contested race. Caraveo, who won the district in 2022 by a narrow margin, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and highlighted her efforts to find common ground and bipartisan solutions during her tenure.
Evans emerged victorious with a slim lead of less than a percentage point, securing 48.98% of the final vote count compared to Caraveo’s 48.19%. The race drew national attention as both candidates campaigned on a range of issues including free speech, gun rights, immigration, and healthcare. Evans, an Army veteran and former police officer, emphasized his commitment to fighting for a better direction for all Coloradans and addressing key priorities such as border security, education funding, and healthcare accessibility.
The newly elected Congressman’s platform also focused on combating crime and drug-related issues, promoting domestic food and energy production, and supporting school choice. Despite his previous stance on abortion, Evans shifted his position to support exceptions for cases of rape and incest, signaling a willingness to adapt to evolving perspectives on social issues.
The 8th Congressional District, established during the 2021 redistricting process, was designed as a swing district with a diverse mix of suburban and rural communities. Caraveo’s victory in 2022 marked a historic moment as she became Colorado’s first Latina congressional representative, reflecting the district’s significant Latino population.
The closely contested race saw Evans pulling ahead in the final count, prompting Caraveo to concede despite pending cured ballots. The outcome solidified Republicans’ majority in the House, with Evans set to join Congress as the representative for Colorado’s 8th District. As the final vote count is awaited, the focus now shifts to the new Congressman-elect’s plans for serving the community and delivering on his campaign promises.
