Colorado Treasurer Dave Younger on Wednesday turned the newest candidate to leap into the more and more crowded Democratic major in Colorado’s extremely aggressive eighth Congressional District.
Younger stated he was compelled to affix the race, which might decide which occasion controls the U.S. Home, after incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans voted to move the GOP spending invoice and the Medicaid constraints therein.
“I don’t think he knows what damage he is going to cause by that budget if it goes all the way through Congress,” Younger stated in an interview with The Colorado Solar forward of his marketing campaign announcement. “But I know because my sister is very disabled and her life depends on the support that Medicaid provides.”
Younger was elected treasurer in 2018 and reelected in 2022. His time period ends in early 2027 and he’s term-limited.
Earlier than serving as treasurer, Younger was a state consultant and sat on the legislature’s highly effective Joint Finances Committee. Previous to his political profession, Younger, who lives in Greeley, was a center faculty trainer and chief of his native academics union.
“I’m really focused on kitchen-table economics for people, and a lot of the work that I’ve done, both in the state treasury and also my time as a state representative, has really been focused on those kinds of things,” he stated. “I have a track record that shows that I can actually deliver. I think that’s what people want government to focus on right now.”
Younger is the fourth Democrat to enter the race to unseat Evans within the eighth District, which spans Denver’s northern suburbs alongside U.S. 85 into Greeley.
Evans ousted the Democratic incumbent, Yadira Caraveo, in November by about 2,500 votes, or lower than a share level.
U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Fort Lupton, speaks to reporters throughout a information convention on the steps of the Colorado Capitol in Denver on Thursday, Could 29, 2025. Evans was discussing Republicans’ federal funding proposal. (Jesse Paul, The Colorado Solar)
Caraveo, who lives in Thornton, is working to reclaim her seat regardless of the considerations of Democratic leaders about her psychological well being and allegations that she mistreated her congressional and marketing campaign employees. Additionally working within the district’s Democratic major is state Rep. Manny Rutinel of Commerce Metropolis, who has raised greater than $1 million since he jumped into the race on the finish of January.
State Rep. Shannon Fowl, a Westminster Democrat, jumped into the Democratic major final month.
Democrats Amie Baca-Oehlert, the previous president of the Colorado Schooling Affiliation, and Evan Munsing, a Marine veteran who now works in non-public fairness, are additionally anticipated to launch bids within the eighth District.
Baca-Oehlert’s marketing campaign launch seems imminent. She already had a marketing campaign web site up and working Tuesday the place supporters might ship donations.
Younger stated he’s not fearful about what number of major challengers he may have.
“It doesn’t really bother me if it’s a crowded primary. I think voters deserve lots of options,” he stated. “I can stack up my record against anyone. I don’t just talk about fighting for working families. I’ve actually done it.”
Younger additionally pointed to his report of profitable in a contested state Home district and statewide.
“I’ve run and won five really tough races,” he stated. “I have a track record of electability. I know how to work and win hard races.”
With such a crowded Democratic major area, native and nationwide occasion leaders aren’t throwing their help behind any of Evans’ challengers for now.
Sort of Story: Information
Based mostly on info, both noticed and verified immediately by the reporter, or reported and verified from educated sources.
