With election day just a week-and-a-half away, many eyes are on the race for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.
The ethnically and socio-economically diverse district spans north Denver suburbs including Thornton and Northglenn, and stretches north to Berthoud and Greeley.
Republican incumbent Timothy Gabriel Joseph “Gabe” Evans is facing a challenge from Democratic State Sen. Manny Rutinel, who won more than 60% of the vote in June’s Democratic primary. Also in the running is Libertarian candidate David Wood.
According to The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball, this race is one of the few truly toss-up races with no clear leader, though Decision Desk HQ recently changed its forecast to reflect a “likely” win by Rutinel.
Significant funding is being spent by both parties. Based on Sept. 30 filings to the Federal Election Commission, Evans has more than $2.7 million cash on hand while Rutinel has more than $1.8 million.
Each candidate can tout at least one endorsement from the Jewish world. Rutinel has earned the endorsement of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and Evans has received support from AIPAC.
The Intermountain Jewish News sent each candidate the same five questions about their candidacy, support for Israel and combatting anti-Semitism, and their qualifications to serve the heavily diverse Eighth District.
Their answers appear in full below. Any editorial clarification appears in brackets.
IJN: What challenges do you anticipate in representing the financially, economically and culturally diverse 8th Congressional District in Colorado?
EVANS: As the representative of Colorado’s 8th, I understand the uniquely diverse economical, financial and cultural qualities of my district. From the all-of-the-above energy industry to the strong agricultural community, and the vibrant small businesses in between, this district and the individuals within it require a representative who appreciates and comprehends the needs of each sector, to ensure everyone can succeed.
RUTINEL: Since running for Congress, I have been going across CD-8 and listening to voters, something that Gabe Evans refuses to do. They have told me what issues matter most to them, including [President Donald] Trump’s and Evans’ healthcare cuts, reckless tariffs and forever war in Iran. When elected, I will continue to go out into the district and meet with my constituents to listen about what concerns they have.
If elected, will you support providing military aid to Israel? Under what conditions would you support such aid?
EVANS: I voted for the FY 2026 and FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Acts to fully fund US security assistance to Israel, opposing amendments reducing it.
Meanwhile, every Colorado Democrat supported those cuts.
With the US-Israel Memorandum of Understanding expiring in 2028, the next agreement will be negotiated [in the] next Congress. I’ll fight to support assistance, fully resource defense systems like the Iron Dome, and guarantee Israel’s qualitative military edge is never in doubt.
RUTINEL: I have friends in the region who live in fear of terror every day and believe a negotiated two-state solution is the most viable path to lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Israel is an important US ally, and it has a right to defend itself.
We also need to make sure our tax dollars are being used in accordance with our laws and values and international human rights law.
What role would you like to see the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have in the future?
EVANS: My approach to immigration has always been consistent: We must prioritize border security, remove dangerous criminals, and deliver practical solutions for immigrants who want to work hard, follow our laws and contribute to our communities. I believe federal law enforcement plays an important role in upholding our laws and protecting public safety.
To do so effectively, we must ensure local, state and federal law enforcement agencies can work together to keep our communities safe.
RUTINEL: I support a secure border that keeps communities safe and making sure that immigration enforcement focuses on violent criminals, not on separating families.
Congress must also ensure there is accountability within ICE: ICE agents should wear body cameras, use judicial orders and be held accountable if they break the law.
If Trump and Evans spent as much time focused on lowering costs as they do tormenting immigrants, things would cost a lot less.
With the rise in anti-Semitism worldwide, Jewish organizations have had to spend significant sums to provide security to their constituents. The Jewish American Security Act would provide $1 billion in funding for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help offset some costs. If this is not passed by the current Congress and you are elected to the House of Representatives, will you cosponsor the bill in the next Congress?
EVANS: The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides vital funding for security enhancements for religious institutions, including synagogues.
I voted for the $25.5 million increase for the program in the FY 2026 appropriations bill and I am pleased that the FY 2027 bill includes $15 million in additional funding.
I’ll continue supporting legislation that increases funding for NSGP, as needed by Colorado communities facing some of the highest rates of anti-Semitic incidents in the nation.
RUTINEL: I would cosponsor the bill. It is imperative to combat anti-Semitism in all forms and protect the freedom to worship.
Why do you think you are the best person to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District in Washington? Politics aside, what special skills, temperament and mindset do you possess that qualify you to serve in Congress?
EVANS: My lifetime of service to our country and community has uniquely prepared me to represent Colorado’s 8th District. As an Army veteran and Black Hawk pilot, I spent 12 years defending our freedoms, followed by a decade protecting Colorado communities in law enforcement. Those experiences instilled in me the leadership, discipline and commitment to service necessary to lead. As a native Coloradan, husband and father, I’m determined to leave our country better for future generations.
RUTINEL: I was raised by a single mother, and we relied on programs like Medicaid and food stamps that Donald Trump and Gabe Evans are destroying to pay for tax cuts for their billionaire buddies. I understand what working Coloradans are going through because I’ve lived it. When elected, the hard-working folks in CD-8 will finally have someone in Congress who fights for them.
© IJN 2026
