Manny Rutinel is a first-generation American, community advocate, attorney, and Democratic state lawmaker running to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Born to a single mother who immigrated from the Dominican Republic, Rutinel was raised with a deep appreciation for resilience, opportunity, and public service. Growing up, he worked at McDonald’s through high school and regularly sold blood to help support his family — experiences that shaped his commitment to fighting for working families and economic justice. He went on to earn degrees in economics and microbiology from the University of Florida, a master’s in applied economics from Johns Hopkins University, and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
Before entering elected office, Rutinel served as an economist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, worked as an attorney at Earthjustice on behalf of environmental protections, and led as CEO of a nonprofit focused on climate and community resilience. In October 2023 he was appointed to the Colorado House of Representatives for District 32, representing Commerce City and neighboring communities, and was elected to a full term in 2024. He now has announced his candidacy for the 2026 election to unseat Republican incumbent Gabe Evans in one of the most competitive congressional districts in the country — a seat that could determine control of the U.S. House.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
Manny Rutinel’s campaign centers on delivering economic security and opportunity for all Coloradans while defending core freedoms and community values:
- Lowering Costs for Families — Rutinel focuses on reducing the cost of housing, healthcare, and everyday essentials that burden working- and middle-class families.
- Protecting Social Security & Medicare — He has pledged to defend retirement security programs and ensure older Americans can retire with dignity.
- Defending Rights & Democracy — Rutinel has emphasized fighting to preserve civil liberties and democratic norms in the face of attacks on voting access and individual freedoms.
- Economic Opportunity & Worker Support — He supports expanding tax credits, cracking down on predatory fees, boosting job growth, and lifting up workers across urban and rural parts of the district.
- Environmental Protection & Public Health — With a background in environmental law and policy, Rutinel champions clean air and water, climate resilience, and evidence-based solutions to protect public health.
Accomplishments & Strengths
- Colorado State Representative: Currently serving in the Colorado House of Representatives for District 32, where he has pushed for economic, environmental, and housing policies that benefit working families.
- Dynamic Fundraising & Early Momentum: Rutinel demonstrated strong early support with a substantial fundraising haul shortly after launching his congressional bid, widely seen as a serious contender in the Democratic field.
- Broad Endorsements: He has attracted endorsements from groups focused on scientists and evidence-based policy solutions, highlighting his expertise and credibility.
- Representative of Diverse Communities: His personal story of immigrant roots and economic hardship resonates with the diverse electorate of CO-08, a district that includes both Denver suburbs and rural communities.
- Competitive Battleground District: Colorado’s 8th District is among the most closely contested seats in the country, and flipping it would be crucial for returning Democratic control of the U.S. House in 2026.
I’m running to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, and I’m fighting to lower costs, protect Social Security & Medicare, and stand up to Trump’s attacks on our rights.
My name is Manny Rutinel, and I am ready to deliver for New Jersey’s 7th.