The potential impact of two Latinos in Colorado's most competitive race
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U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, and state Rep. Gabe Evans. Photos: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
While politics separate U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a Democrat, from her Republican challenger state Rep. Gabe Evans, the two are linked by a common Mexican heritage.
Why it matters: It's the first time in Colorado history two competing major-party candidates running for Congress are Latino — something experts tell Axios could play a role in a district with the state's largest share of Hispanic voters.
Context: Caraveo's family immigrated from Chihuahua, and Evans has publicly spoken about his Mexican grandfather, who earned U.S. citizenship after serving in the military during World War II.
- Their backgrounds are likely to draw more voters who are "excited" about an already competitive race, Robert Preuhs, a political science professor at Metro State University, tells Axios.
State of play: Latinos were instrumental in Caraveo's narrow 2022 win to represent the suburban Denver seat, and will again play a major role as advocacy groups intend to lure voters to the polls over issues like abortion.
- Polling shows a majority of Latinos in Colorado support the right to an abortion.
What we're watching: Danny Friedman, a national director for campaigns and programs at Mi Familia Vota, a nonprofit civic advocacy organization, says Latinos in the district will likely see increased voter outreach, which could translate to higher engagement.
- When voters see someone they can relate to, it draws them to the polls.
- "Essentially, you get slightly larger voter turnout among Latinos or African Americans when a Latino or African American, respectively, is running for office," Preuhs says.
Behind the scenes: "I'm glad that we're in a position in our country's history where there can be two Latinos running for a seat like this," Caraveo tells us.
The intrigue: Evans tells us he knows enough Spanish to carry brief conversations, while Caraveo is fluent, something Preuhs says can give her an edge.
- Caraveo recently released her first Spanish-language TV ad, while Evans, a former Arvada Police officer, focused on the border in his debut ad.