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In a sign that Colorado’s 8th Congressional District may become one of the most hotly contested races in the nation, Democratic candidate and state Rep. Manny Rutinel has announced a staggering $1.1 million fundraising haul in the first quarter of the year—an early show of grassroots strength that has quickly drawn national attention.
Rutinel’s campaign has received contributions from more than 27,000 unique donors, with an average donation of just $32.
That small-dollar momentum underscores what the candidate and his supporters are calling a people-powered movement to flip a district currently held by Republican freshman Rep. Gabe Evans.
“This campaign is about people coming together to demand real leadership that puts working families first,” Rutinel said in a statement.
“With an average contribution of $32, it’s clear that everyday people—not billionaires—are powering this campaign because they want an economy that works for everyone, lower costs for hardworking families, and more good-paying jobs.”
Rutinel’s early fundraising success also speaks to the high stakes in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, a relatively new seat formed after the 2020 Census and subsequent redistricting.
The seat is currently rated a “toss up” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report and is widely viewed as one of a handful of districts that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024.
For political observers, Rutinel’s campaign is becoming a case study in effective grassroots organizing in a swing district.
Raising over $1 million in a single quarter is an impressive feat in any House race, but doing so with a low average donation suggests wide-reaching appeal and a robust network of supporters willing to give—and likely ready to mobilize.
Even more striking: $400,000 of that total was raised within the first 24 hours of the campaign launch.
That kind of kickoff is rare and signals a campaign that may already be building the infrastructure necessary to compete in what is expected to be an extremely close race.
Political strategist Angela Foster, who has worked on several Colorado races in the past decade, said the numbers reveal more than just money.
“When you see those kinds of numbers early—especially with small-dollar donations—it tells you this isn’t just hype,” Foster said.
“It means he’s connecting. It means voters are listening. And it means this race is going to be very competitive.”
Colorado’s 8th Congressional District sits at a political crossroads—both geographically and ideologically.
Stretching south of Fort Collins and east of Boulder, the district encompasses parts of Adams, Weld, and Larimer counties, and includes a mix of suburban communities, working-class neighborhoods, and agricultural areas. Its diversity is part of what makes it a bellwether.
After the 2020 Census, Colorado gained an additional House seat due to population growth, and the 8th District was carved out to reflect that shift.
In 2022, Republican Gabe Evans narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Yadira Caraveo, who had been the first person elected to represent the new district.
Evans, a former police officer and state lawmaker, ran on a platform of economic growth, public safety, and parental rights in education.
Though still early in his first term, he has aligned himself with the House Republican Conference on several key votes and has drawn praise from GOP leadership for his discipline and message discipline in a swing district.
But Democrats believe the seat is ripe for flipping, and with a national climate that remains fluid—especially on issues like inflation, reproductive rights, and climate change—Rutinel’s early momentum could reshape the district’s political landscape.
At just 36 years old, Manny Rutinel is no stranger to uphill fights. The son of Dominican immigrants, Rutinel grew up in a working-class household and credits his upbringing with shaping his political priorities.
Before running for office, he spent years working as a public interest lawyer, focusing on labor rights, environmental justice, and healthcare access.
Elected to Colorado’s state legislature in 2020, Rutinel quickly made a name for himself as a coalition builder and policy wonk, helping to advance legislation on clean energy investment, paid family leave, and police accountability.
He currently serves on several key committees and has earned endorsements from progressive groups as well as more centrist Democrats.
His campaign is anchored in a message of economic fairness, local investment, and restoring trust in government.
“I’ve spent years fighting for people’s jobs, their healthcare, and their safety,” Rutinel said.
“This campaign is not about me—it’s about us. It’s about building a government that actually works for working people.”
With control of the U.S. House likely to hinge on a small handful of districts, Colorado’s 8th has already drawn interest from both parties' national campaign arms.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has listed it as one of their top targets for 2024, while Republicans are expected to pour significant resources into defending the seat.
The national significance is not lost on either side.
“This race could come down to a few hundred votes,” said Tom Barrington, a political analyst who has tracked Western swing states since the early 2000s.
“And if it does, the kind of grassroots fundraising Rutinel is showing can make all the difference.”
Barrington noted that in recent cycles, campaigns that focused on large donor bases rather than a few wealthy contributors were more likely to sustain momentum into Election Day. “It’s not just about cash—it’s about community,” he added.
Despite the strong start, Rutinel’s campaign will face stiff headwinds. Evans remains a formidable incumbent with name recognition, a strong law-and-order platform, and the backing of the state and national GOP.
And while Rutinel has energized the Democratic base, the district’s independent and moderate voters will likely be the deciding factor.
In addition, Colorado’s 8th District has shown a pattern of narrow electoral margins, making voter outreach, turnout, and field organizing absolutely critical.
“This isn’t going to be won on TV ads alone,” said campaign strategist Angela Foster. “This is door-to-door, neighbor-to-neighbor kind of work.”
Rutinel has already signaled his campaign will prioritize ground game and relational organizing. In a recent town hall, he emphasized listening over talking.
“We win by listening,” he told a crowd in Thornton. “Not by yelling louder. Not by more ads. We win by showing up and proving we care.”
With primary season on the horizon and national attention growing, Rutinel’s campaign is expected to continue ramping up staff, expanding its field program, and pushing for endorsements from key Colorado figures.
The first FEC filing of the campaign has already helped the campaign establish itself as a major player in the race.
Political watchers will be closely monitoring whether the next quarter shows sustained energy—or if this was a one-time surge.
For now, though, the message from Rutinel’s camp is clear: they’re not just in this race. They believe they can win it.
