Munsing suspends campaign for 8th District primary

State of play: Munsing, a U.S. Marine combat veteran, petitioned onto the primary ballot, but struggled to match his Democratic opponents' fundraising totals.

• Throughout his campaign, he said he sought to challenge a political system that benefits "political elites."
• In a statement Wednesday, Munsing said that same group picked its preferred candidates and flooded "our TV screens" with dark money ads.
• He also said his opponents refused to debate him publicly.

Context: Democrats are targeting the 8th Congressional seat, which stretches from Denver's northern suburbs to Greeley, as they try to unseat U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans and chip away at the GOP's narrow House majority.

What's next: Bird and Rutinel are set to debate Thursday at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

• Munsing's name will remain on the June 30 primary ballot. He has not endorsed Bird or Rutinel.