Scoop: Amie Baca-Oehlert eyes 8th District run

The big picture: Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans flipped the seat in last year's election.

• Yadira Caraveo, the first person elected to the seat after its creation in 2021, and state Rep. Manny Rutinel are already running in the Democratic primary.

Why it matters: A crowded Democratic primary indicates surging enthusiasm within the party, who see the seat as completely up for grabs.

What they're saying: "The truth is, the power in this office is not about me. It is about all of us coming together to demand the fight for change that we need and will see," Baca-Oehlert said during Wednesday's reception.

• She said her potential campaign wouldn't be built by billionaires, but "working friends and family."

Context: A former school counselor and English teacher, Baca-Oehlert served as president of the Colorado Education Association from 2018 to 2024, stepping down due to term limits.

• She's previously worked at Adams City High School and Northglenn High School, both in the 8th District.

The intrigue: Term-limited State Treasurer Dave Young, a Democrat who also attended Wednesday's event, tells us he's weighing a potential run, though he hasn't made a final decision.

• He teased the idea during a Logan County event last weekend, per the Sterling Journal-Advocate. If enters the race, he would do so with heightened name recognition holding statewide office.

What's next: Baca-Oehlert tells Axios she anticipates making a final decision as early as next week.