Colorado Rep. Shannon Bird Resigns to Challenge GOP’s Gabe Evans

UPDATE: Colorado State Representative Shannon Bird has announced her resignation from the legislature, effective January 5, 2026, to focus on her campaign against U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans for the crucial Democratic nomination in the 8th Congressional District. The abrupt decision was made public just yesterday, marking a pivotal shift in the race for this key congressional seat.

Bird, a Democrat from Westminster, expressed gratitude to her constituents in her resignation statement, highlighting the urgent need to challenge the Republican incumbent. “Now, Colorado is facing rising headwinds from Washington, with President Trump’s tariffs driving up the cost of everything, health care and food assistance being ripped away by Gabe Evans and his GOP colleagues, and our democratic values under assault,” she stated.

The 8th Congressional District, which stretches from the northern Denver suburbs to Greeley, was previously held by Democrat Yadira Caraveo, who lost her seat to Evans in the last election. Bird’s resignation comes as she aims to flip this Republican-held district.

Bird is currently in a fierce battle for the Democratic nomination, contending with fellow candidates including state Rep. Manny Rutinel, state Treasurer Dave Young, and Marine veteran Evan Munsing. Rutinel, who entered the race earlier than Bird, has already secured over $1 million in campaign funds, significantly outpacing Bird’s $560,000. Munsing and Young trail with $174,000 and $61,000 respectively.

Bird’s resignation from the Joint Budget Committee earlier this year signaled her commitment to her congressional ambitions. With her departure from the legislature, a Democratic vacancy committee will appoint a replacement who will serve until the upcoming November election.

As the political landscape in Colorado heats up, all eyes will be on this race, which is shaping up to be a critical battleground for both parties. Voters and political analysts alike are eager to see how this dramatic shift will influence the upcoming election cycle.

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