Welcome to a special edition of At the Races! Throughout the 2026 primary season, watch for these updates from the CQ Roll Call campaign team on what you need to know for Election Day. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here.
By Daniela Altimari
Colorado takes its turn in the political spotlight Tuesday, with a veteran House Democrat facing a challenge from the left and a pair of Democratic hopefuls vying for the party’s nod in a key swing seat.
The contest in the 8th District, north of Denver, could determine which party controls the House. The primary pits former state Rep. Shannon Bird, a political pragmatist with deep roots in the district, against state Rep. Manny Rutinel, the son of an immigrant single mother who has campaigned on a populist message. (A third candidate, Marine veteran Evan Munsing, ended his campaign last month, though his name remains on the primary ballot.)
Rutinel, who has the backing of the campaign arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has far outpaced Bird in fundraising, bringing in $4.1 million to his opponent’s $2.2 million through June 10.
