Caraveo concedes to Evans in 8th District race
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U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo and state Rep. Gabe Evans. Photos: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
Democrat U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo conceded the 8th Congressional District race to Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans on Sunday afternoon.
Why it matters: It's a major victory for Republicans, who pumped millions into the race to flip the suburban Denver seat.
State of play: The seat helps the GOP move closer to a trifecta in Washington, D.C., next year as the party is on track to keep its U.S. House majority in 2025. Already, Republicans have retaken the Senate majority, and President-elect Trump will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.
Zoom in: The Associated Press had not yet called the race as of Sunday at 3:30pm.
What they're saying: "I am ready to fight back for a better direction for all Coloradans," Evans said in a statement on Sunday, while also thanking Caraveo for her service and "gracious concession."
- In a statement posted Sunday, Caraveo said it was "the honor of a lifetime to serve the people" in the district.
State of play: Evans led Caraveo by 2,596 votes, according to preliminary results from the Colorado Secretary of State's Office.
- Two third-party candidates, Chris Baum (Approval Voting Party) and Susan Hall (Unity Party) collected more than 9,300 combined votes.
Between the lines: The GOP's victory comes despite Colorado largely rejecting the nationwide Republican surge this election.
- Evans was endorsed by former President Trump and easily won the Republican primary in July.
Zoom out: Evans, a state lawmaker and former Arvada police officer, ran as a conservative seeking to improve border security to stop the flow of illicit drugs into the U.S., and reduce federal regulations to improve the country's economy.
- Caraveo built a reputation as a moderate in Congress, though she ran on a platform backing abortion access and improving the U.S. economy.
The intrigue: Caraveo still garnered majority support among Latino voters in the district, but she lost some ground among the key voting bloc, according to an exit poll released Wednesday.
- That is likely attributed to her running against Evans, who is also Latino, Gabe Sanchez of BSP Research said during a Wednesday press call.
- The 8th District is home to the largest share of Latino voters in the state's congressional seats.
Follow the money: The race prompted both parties to spend more than $25 million this year, making it one of the nation's most expensive races this cycle.
The state's newest congressional seat covers Denver's northern suburbs up to Greeley and was drawn to be competitive.
- Caraveo narrowly won the seat in 2022 over Republican Barbara Kirkmeyer.
This story has been updated with a statement from Gabe Evans.