Voters in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District are in the midst of deciding who will best represent them, even as some have already made their choices for the presidential election.
The 8th Congressional District in Colorado, located north of Denver, is heating up as incumbent Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo faces a significant challenge from state Representative Gabe Evans. This contest is pivotal in shaping the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Many voters in this competitive district remain uncertain about their choices down the ballot.
On a sunny day in Commerce City, just north of Denver, Democratic state Representative Manny Rutinel is out engaging with voters at their doors, encouraging them to support Caraveo and other Democratic candidates.
Rutinel’s strategy includes combining door knocks with doorbell rings, a method he believes captures the attention of potential voters.
During his outreach, he asks residents if they plan to vote for candidates up and down the ballot, receiving positive responses from many.
However, not all voters are fully committed. At a nearby Walmart, Liz Cardenas expresses her support for Kamala Harris in the presidential race but feels uninformed about the congressional candidates. She has heard mixed reviews about both Caraveo and Evans, which leaves her uncertain.
Another Democratic voter, Gina Strain, shares similar sentiments, expressing a need for more information about Caraveo, particularly regarding reproductive rights, an issue she views as critically important.
As a first-term congresswoman, Caraveo champions legal abortion and emphasizes healthcare in her campaign, while Evans takes a more conservative stance on abortion. Immigration is also a key issue for Strain, who highlights the need for a resolution amidst rising tensions in the current political climate.
The airwaves are flooded with both positive and negative advertisements targeting the candidates, influencing public perception in a district with a substantial Latino population, constituting nearly 40% of voters. This diversity presents a unique opportunity for various groups to engage with the electorate.
Angel Merlos, representing a conservative organization, is actively mobilizing Hispanic voters to support Evans, who shares a similar heritage, as his grandparents immigrated from Mexico.
Luis Munoz, an immigrant from Mexico tagged as a swing voter, expresses frustration over recent immigration trends and has mixed feelings about the upcoming congressional race despite planning to support Trump for president.
In this highly competitive district, undecided voters like Munoz hold the potential to sway the election outcome. The balance of the congressional seat hangs in the balance as Election Day approaches.
