Nov 20, 2025 - Election

Scoop: Emily's List endorses Shannon Bird in 8th District

John Frank

DENVER, CO - APRIL 29: State Representative Shannon Bird addresses lawmakers and members of the media during a press conference on the west steps of the Colorado Capitol in Denver, Colorado on April 29, 2024. The Colorado Legislature passed the $40.6 billion state budget with money for higher educat — State Rep. Shannon Bird, right, celebrates the passage of the budget in 2024. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/Denver Post via Getty Images

Emily's List, a key Democratic organization that promotes women in politics, announced its backing state Rep. Shannon Bird in the four-way primary for the all-important 8th Congressional District, Axios scoops.

Why it matters: The Democratic candidates competing to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans are looking to distinguish themselves and endorsements will help drive voter interest and fundraising.

The intrigue: Bird is a moderate Democrat who is willing to work across the aisle, notably in her prior role as a top legislative budget writer.

What they're saying: "She has defended reproductive freedom, fought for affordable housing and kept communities safe," Emily's List president Jessica Mackler said in a statement to Axios.

"She is a battle-tested leader who is ready to take on Trump and his Republican allies in Washington."

The big picture: Colorado's 8th Congressional District is one of the most competitive in the nation, and the choice Democrats make could determine whether the party can win back the seat in 2026.

State Rep. Manny Rutinel is the frontrunner in the fundraising race with $2.1 million in contributions, federal campaign reports through late September show. Bird is second after raising $833,000.
Two other women vying for the seat — former U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo and former teachers' union leader Amie Baca-Oehlert — exited the race in recent weeks, leaving Bird as the only woman.
The other two Democratic candidates are state Treasurer Dave Young and Marine veteran Evan Munsing.

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Scoop: Emily's List endorses Shannon Bird in 8th District

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