Manny Rutinel takes Democratic primary in Colorado's 8th district, NBC News projects

Manny Rutinel has won the Democratic primary in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, according to a projection by NBC News. With 94.3% of precincts in Adams County and 90% in Weld County reporting, Rutinel received 61.5% of the vote in those areas, while challenger Shannon Bird captured 33.8% and Evan Munsing secured 4.7%. No votes had been reported in Larimer County at the time of the projection. Rutinel, a state legislator and top fundraiser, has emphasized his family’s immigrant background and has drawn support from labor unions and former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. The primary victory positions Rutinel to face GOP Rep. Gabe Evans in what is expected to be one of the most competitive House races in the 2026 general election. The district, which narrowly favored Donald Trump in 2024, is seen as a key battleground for both parties.