Evans holds big cash lead as Dems battle in 8th District primary
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U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans continues to hold a substantial fundraising advantage, with more in his campaign account to start 2026 than his three top Democratic rivals combined, according to an Axios review of campaign finance reports filed Saturday.
Why it matters: The 8th District seat north of Denver is one of the 2026 midterm election's most competitive contests, and fundraising is key to winning over voters.
State of play: Evans (R-Fort Lupton) started the year with $2.6 million, while his nearest competitor, state Rep. Manny Rutinel (D-Commerce City), held $1.2 million.
- Former state Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) counted $763,000 in cash on hand while former Marine and first-time candidate Evan Munsing posted $213,000.
By the numbers: Among the Democrats, Rutinel is the fundraising front-runner, pulling in $428,000 compared to $375,000 for Bird and $225,000 for Munsing in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Zoom in: In two other Republican-held districts, Democratic candidates are leading in fundraising.
In the deep red 4th District that includes southern Denver suburbs and the Eastern Plains, two Democratic challengers are out-raising U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Windsor).
- Eileen Laubacher, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, raised $2 million in the most recent period and has $2.5 million cash on hand.
- Trisha Calvarese, the Democrat who lost to Boebert in 2024, raised $1 million and held $518,000 entering this year.
- Boebert posted anemic numbers, with $174,000 raised and $219,000 in the bank.
In the 5th District in Colorado Springs, U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank counted $968,000 in cash to start 2026 compared to $1.1 million held by Democratic rival Jessica Killin.
- "This support shows that voters are ready to restore competence, courage, and character to Washington," Killin said in a statement.