Overview

• The former Democratic congresswoman withdrew Friday, saying resistance rooted in the stigmatization of mental illness drove her decision.
• Caraveo had publicly disclosed treatment for depression at Walter Reed, and former aides described traumatic workplace incidents in accounts reported by The Colorado Sun.
• She received no endorsements from House Democrats and the DCCC stayed neutral, while rivals outpaced her recent fundraising.
• Her exit leaves a crowded Democratic primary field that includes Manny Rutinel, Shannon Bird, Dave Young, Evan Munsing and Amie Baca-Oehlert to face GOP Rep. Gabe Evans.
• Colorado’s 8th District remains one of the nation’s most competitive House seats, rated a Toss-up by Inside Elections and Cook, after Caraveo lost to Evans in 2024 by roughly 2,500 votes.