Posted January 30, 2025
State Representative Manny Rutinel (D-Commerce City) announced his candidacy on Monday for the United States House of Representatives, aiming to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.
“I am honored to declare my candidacy for Congress to serve the diverse and hardworking communities of Colorado’s 8th District,” said Rutinel. “I have seen firsthand how rising housing and health care costs, along with limited job opportunities, are hurting our community. Together, we can address the pressing issues facing our district and ensure a prosperous future for all residents.”
Rutinel, a first-generation American and the son of a single mother who immigrated from the Dominican Republic, has dedicated his career to advocating for working families. Raised by a mother struggling to make ends meet and witnessing the foreclosure of their home, Rutinel is acutely aware of the economic challenges many residents face. After working his way through high school and college as a McDonald’s cashier and a substitute teacher, Rutinel later served as an economist for the US Army Corps of Engineers and became a first responder to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. After graduating from Yale Law School, Rutinel committed himself to helping communities like the ones he grew up in by fighting for clean air, land, and water as an environmental attorney before his current role representing Colorado’s House District 32, which includes Commerce City and parts of unincorporated Adams County.
State Representative Manny Rutinel Announces Candidacy for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District
As a legislator, Rutinel is dedicated to fighting for working families and improving the lives of Coloradans. He boosted incomes and helped to put money back into the pockets of hardworking families by expanding anti-poverty tools. His work also helped Colorado families increase their access to affordable health care, as well as made free mental and behavioral health care more easily accessible for Colorado youth. Rutinel also led the charge to increase affordable housing options and limit unnecessary housing limits.
“From a young age, I understood the value of hard work. I worked at McDonald’s through high school, and a scar on my arm serves as a testament to the hundreds of times I exchanged my blood at a plasma center to pay my family’s bills,” Rutinel said. “I understand what it is like to struggle to pay for groceries, housing, and healthcare. That’s why I’m running for Congress—to fight for families like mine and make sure the hardworking members of our community don’t have to struggle to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.”
Colorado’s 8th Congressional District encompasses northern Front Range cities and surrounding Denver communities, including Thornton, Commerce City, Westminster, Brighton, Johnstown, and Greeley. The district is recognized for its diverse population, with nearly 40% of residents identifying as Latino.
“This district is a reflection of everything that makes Colorado extraordinary: its diversity, its resilience, and its hardworking people,” Rutinel said. “But we’re under attack. Some politicians in Congress are scheming to slash Social Security and Medicare while hiking prices on groceries and other essential goods. I’ll fight tooth and nail to stop these reckless attacks and ensure working families get the support they deserve.”
Rutinel’s campaign has already gained strong momentum, with endorsements from over 20 members of Colorado’s General Assembly. Additionally, former Colorado House Speaker Pro Tempore Adrienne Benavidez will be the campaign treasurer. Their support reflects the trust and respect Rutinel has earned as a leader who consistently delivers for his community.
Rutinel’s campaign will focus on key issues affecting the district including reducing housing and healthcare costs and creating good-paying jobs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and defending the rights and freedoms of all Coloradans.
Campaign Treasurer Adrienne Benavidez remarked, “Manny shows up for our community. He champions legislation that cuts costs to help us sustain our families, and protects our health by fighting for clean air and water, as well as the protection of our lands. His passion and dedication make him exactly the leader we need in Congress.”
“Our district deserves a Representative who understands our aspirations and struggles,” Rutinel added. “I am committed to being that voice in Congress, working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Coloradans and ensuring that our community’s hard work is recognized and rewarded.”
For more information about Manny and his priorities, please visit www.MannyForColorado.com.
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