Manny Rutinel

Biography

Manny Rutinel is a Colorado state representative who is the leading Democratic candidate in the June 30, 2026 primary for Colorado's 8th Congressional District. He is challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Gabe Evans in a district that has already flipped once. Former Democratic incumbent Yadira Caraveo had been running again but withdrew, making this effectively a two-way race between Rutinel and another Democrat.

Professional background

Colorado state representative

Public service

Colorado House of Representatives

In this race

• Gabe Evans (Republican)

Issue positions

healthcare-aca-medicaid (healthcare)

Rutinel supports lowering drug costs and criticizes Medicaid cuts. As a Colorado state representative, Rutinel voted for $12.3 million in taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures for prisoners. He also voted for taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants, which cost $105 million. — "Voted for $12.3 million in taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures for prisoners; Voted for taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants that cost $105 million"

taxation-working-families-tax-cuts (taxation)

Rutinel supports repealing the Working Families Tax Cuts. This action restores income taxes on tips for 4 million tipped workers and on overtime for 80+ million hourly workers. It also restores income taxes on Social Security for millions of retirees and cuts the Child Tax Credit from $2,200 back to $2,000 per child. Furthermore, it reduces the standard deduction for 90% of taxpayers and eliminates the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program. This constitutes the largest tax increase in American history. — "Supports repealing Working Families Tax Cuts"

immigration-ice-enforcement (immigration)

Rutinel stated he will 'stop ICE from terrorizing our communities.' He sponsored a bill restricting police cooperation with ICE. This position reduces immigration enforcement and limits the ability of law enforcement to collaborate with federal agencies on immigration matters. — "Stated he will 'stop ICE from terrorizing our communities'; Sponsored bill restricting police cooperation with ICE"

public-safety-crime (public-safety)

Rutinel sponsored a bill restricting semiautomatic weapons. He voted for legislation categorizing 'deadnaming' as coercive control. This vote impacts free speech and parental rights, and could lead to legal consequences for misgendering individuals. — "Sponsored bill restricting semiautomatic weapons; Voted for legislation categorizing 'deadnaming' as coercive control"

social-policy-gender-identity (social-policy)

Rutinel voted for $12.3 million in taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures for prisoners. He also voted for legislation making 'deadnaming' coercive control. This vote impacts free speech and parental rights, and could lead to legal consequences for misgendering individuals. — "Voted for $12.3 million in taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures for prisoners; Voted for legislation making 'deadnaming' coercive control"

energy-climate (energy)

Rutinel is a former environmental attorney. He is endorsed by Food & Water Action, Oil Change Action, and Friends of the Earth. These endorsements indicate a strong stance against fossil fuels and support for aggressive climate policies. — "Former environmental attorney; Endorsed by Food & Water Action, Oil Change Action, Friends of the Earth"

Ratings & scores

• Colorado AFL-CIO: 100% (2024)
• Conservation Colorado (LCV affiliate): 95% (2026)