Manny Rutinel Wins Primary in Competitive Colorado House Race

Manny Rutinel, a progressive state representative, secured victory in Colorado’s most competitive House district primary. He will now compete against Representative Gabe Evans, a Republican considered vulnerable, in the upcoming fall election. This election could influence which party controls the House.

Manny Rutinel, a Dominican American and a former animal rights activist with a legal background, defeated Shannon Bird, a moderate Democrat, by a significant margin. Rutinel’s diverse background and strong social media presence appealed to voters in a suburban area north of Denver, where nearly 40% of the population is Latino.

The district is one of Colorado’s agricultural hubs. It previously voted narrowly for Joseph R. Biden Jr. in 2020 and Donald Trump in 2024. The district has a considerable Latino population. Gabe Evans, the incumbent, is also Mexican American.

The race could prove to be contentious. Manny Rutinel had been a frequent target of Republican criticism, particularly for his previous stance on meat and dairy consumption. The House G.O.P. campaign has used these views to portray him as unsuitable for the agriculturally focused district.

Rutinel has since clarified his positions, stating he opposes unsustainable food practices and those in the industry engaging in extreme cruelty. He moved to Colorado in 2020, initially working on Senator John Hickenlooper’s Senate campaign.

This election will also reflect the district’s stance on artificial intelligence regulation. Rutinel co-authored Colorado’s A.I. regulation law. He received financial support from groups linked to tech leaders worried about unregulated A.I. These groups opposed Shannon Bird, who campaigned against strict A.I. regulation.

A super PAC supporting A.I. regulation aired ads featuring Pope Leo XIV, referencing the need to control A.I. The Colorado Catholic Church clarified it does not endorse any candidate. Meanwhile, Gabe Evans has expressed concerns over A.I. overregulation.