DENVER (KDVR) — On Friday, Dr. Yadira Caraveo withdrew her candidacy for U.S. House District 8, citing resistance to her candidacy due to mental health stigmas.
Caraveo served as Colorado’s 8th Congressional District Representative from 2022 through 2024, when now-Congressman Gabe Evans, a Republican, ousted her. In August last year, Caraveo announced that she had sought treatment from Walter Reed Medical Center for her depression.
“This was not a decision I made lightly. It was a privilege representing the 8th district in Congress and working for the people of the district, Colorado, and the country,” Caraveo said in a statement on Friday. “Unfortunately, I faced very strong resistance to my candidacy this cycle due almost entirely to the stigmatization of mental health in America.”
Caraveo expressed hope for a future that has “more acceptance and understanding of illnesses like depression,” and for leaders who will be able to support “those in need” with actions and not words.
“I want to personally thank everyone who voted for me, donated to my campaign, believed in me, volunteered for me, worked for me, and supported me. I urge all my supporters to continue fighting for change,” Caraveo said.
Caraveo noted in her announcement that Colorado’s 8th District was decided by margins of under 0.8% during the 2022 and 2024 elections, making it one of the tightest House races in the country. The district was newly drawn in 2022, and when Caraveo was elected, she became Colorado’s first Latina member of Congress.
Currently, there is only one general election candidate for the seat: the incumbent, Evans.
Several Democratic candidates, confirmed through the Federal Election Commission, are vying for a spot in the general election, namely Shannon Bird, who currently represents District 29 in the Colorado House; Amie Baca-Oehlert; Manny Rutinel, who currently represents Colorado House District 32; and Dave Young, who is currently Colorado Treasurer.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
