How 8th Congressional District candidates plan to improve the economy
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U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, and Gabe Evans, a Republican. Photos: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
The candidates vying for the sprawling 8th Congressional District seat say the U.S. economy tops the list of voters' concerns.
The big picture: U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, faces state Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican, in the highly competitive race.
- The district splits largely between urban centers like Greeley and Westminster, and rural areas across Weld County.
Why it matters: Economic stability and growth are key priorities for voters in a district with thousands of jobs in agriculture and energy — two key industries in the state.
- Meanwhile, Colorado consumers are weary of the high cost of living, an issue that both candidates say voters bring up on the campaign trail.
Between the lines: While inflation is slowing, a stalled labor market could threaten the economy — especially in Colorado, whose current job outlook is weaker than previous years.
What they're saying: "Even though we see trends at the national level of an improving economy, people are still not quite feeling that in their pocketbooks," Caraveo tells us.
State of play: Evans says he wants to cut red tape in Congress by reducing regulations that led to job losses.
- For instance, he opposes state regulations backed by Caraveo during her time in the state Legislature, including a 2019 bill requiring 2,000-foot oil and gas drilling setbacks.
Caraveo, who sits on three House agricultural subcommittees, says she wants to codify rules like one requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to compensate farmers for dairy milk linked to the bird flu.
- She wants to reduce food costs for families by ensuring the continued support of the SNAP program, something the latest edition of the so-called "Farm Bill" cuts.
- While Caraveo voted to advance the bill despite concerns, she says she wants to work with Republicans to reduce the cut.
Both candidates support building affordable housing but differ in their approach.
- The region needs about 70,000 units over the next 10 years, according to an analysis from the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
- Caraveo wants to use grant money and tax incentives for developers, while Evans aims to reduce local construction defects regulations and building codes he characterizes as "excessive."
Zoom in: Greeley, one of the district's largest cities, consistently has one of the lowest median rent rates in metro Denver.
- However, Caraveo says she's worried about rising home costs in Greeley, where the median sale price is $423,500, up 5.7% year-over-year, per Redfin — making it less affordable.