Manny Rutinel, a progressive state representative, emerged victorious in the primary election within Colorado’s most competitive House district. He will compete against Representative Gabe Evans, a Republican perceived as vulnerable, in the upcoming fall election.
Rutinel is a Dominican American, former animal rights activist, and lawyer. He has gained a substantial social media following and is recognized for his effective fund-raising efforts. His multicultural background resonated with voters in a suburban area north of Denver, which is nearly 40 percent Latino.
On Tuesday, Rutinel led by more than 25 percentage points over Shannon Bird, a moderate Democrat who argued for broader appeal in the general election. In her statement, Bird congratulated Rutinel and encouraged voter unity against Evans.
The district is known for its agricultural and ranching roots, and it narrowly voted for Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2020 and for President Trump in 2024. Alongside its substantial Latino population, it stands as one of the few battleground House districts. Gabe Evans, the incumbent, is Mexican American.
Before securing the Democratic nomination, Rutinel was already a frequent target of Republican criticism. This foreshadows a potentially costly and intense general election campaign. The GOP highlighted his past criticism of meat and dairy consumption, portraying him as unsuitable for representing the agricultural district. Rutinel has revised some positions, stating in The Colorado Sun that, like any industry, there are those who engage in extreme animal cruelty and unsustainable food practices.
Rutinel moved to Colorado in 2020 to assist Senator John Hickenlooper’s Senate campaign. The race will also gauge the district’s stance on artificial intelligence and technology industry influence. Rutinel, who helped draft Colorado’s A.I. regulation law, benefitted from significant financial support from tech groups concerned about unchecked A.I. This support also played a role against Bird, who opposed strong A.I. regulations.
A super PAC supporting A.I. regulation backed Rutinel with ads featuring Pope Leo XIV advocating for A.I. disarmament. However, the Colorado Catholic Church clarified its non-endorsement of any candidate. Evans has expressed concerns over excessive A.I. regulation.