Yadira Caraveo ends bid for Colorado's 8th District
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Yadira Caraveo at a campaign debate in 2024. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post
Former U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo announced Friday she would exit the Democratic race for Colorado's 8th Congressional District, months after questions emerged about her capacity for the job.
Why it matters: The 8th District is one of the most competitive in the nation, and Democrats are eager to take it back after Republicans flipped the seat in the 2024 election.
Driving the news: Caraveo (D-Thornton) entered the race for a possible rematch with Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, but she quickly faced concerns about her mental health challenges.
- She cited the stigma surrounding mental health as the reason for her exit.
What's she saying: "Unfortunately, I faced very strong resistance to my candidacy this cycle due almost entirely to the stigmatization of mental health in America," she wrote in a statement.
- "I hope that one day we will see more acceptance and understanding of illnesses like depression, and that leaders at all levels will be able to support those in need in actions and not just words."
The big picture: Caraveo boasted the greatest name recognition in polls, but her departure still leaves a crowded field of Democratic candidates, including State Treasurer Dave Young, and state lawmakers Shannon Bird and Manny Rutinel.
Between the lines: Caraveo previously spoke about her struggles with depression and mental health issues while in office, but the Colorado Sun reported new details that indicate the situation was more serious.
- In 2024, Caraveo twice ingested large quantities of medication, leading to hospitalization, according to an interview she gave to CPR News. She later sought treatment at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for depression.
- According to the Sun, former aides, speaking anonymously, reported feeling mistreated and traumatized during her tenure. In a statement to the Sun, Caraveo acknowledged her illness affected how she treated staff and expressed regret.
Caraveo declined to respond to questions from the Sun about the latest allegations, but she issued a statement, saying she regretted her actions and received treatment that led to "profound changes in my illness."
Editor's note: This story is breaking. Check back for more details.