Two candidates are running in the Republican primary for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District on June 25, 2024—Gabe Evans (R) and Janak Joshi (R). The winner of this primary will face incumbent Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D) in the general election. In the 2022 general election, Caraveo defeated Barbara Kirkmeyer (R) 48.4% to 47.7%.
In this primary, the Congressional District 8 Republican Assembly and the Colorado Republican Party endorsed different candidates. Candidates in Colorado may qualify for a primary ballot through a petition process or by winning at least 30% of delegates’ votes at an assembly. At the Congressional District 8 Republican Assembly in March 2024, Evans received 61.78% of the vote, and Joshi received 30.37%. A third candidate, Joseph Andujo (R), received 7.85%. Evans won the assembly’s endorsement, and Evans and Joshi advanced to the primary.
The Colorado Republican Party endorsed Joshi in May 2024. The state party said they decided to endorse Joshi due to “his higher likelihood of defeating the incumbent Democrat in the general election.” The state party also said Evans’ refusal to complete their questionnaire for eligible candidates also led to their endorsement of Joshi.
According to Colorado Politics, Joshi said he was honored to receive an endorsement from the state party: “I know that I answer to the grassroots Republican voters who want to see President Trump and our America First values succeed, instead of answering to the insider politicians and dark money groups who are backing my opponent.” While Evans told Westminster Window, “Grassroots Republicans spoke loud and clear when they gave me a 62% victory at the CD 8 assembly. That’s the endorsement that matters to me, not a handful of Colorado Republican Party bosses who live outside my district.”
Evans was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2022. His professional experience included owning and operating a family farm and working as a police lieutenant. He also served in the U.S. Army and Colorado Army National Guard from 2007 to 2019. Evans said he is running “to help restore pride in this great nation for which I fought.” Former President Donald Trump (R) endorsed Evans.
Joshi served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2013-2017. His professional experience included owning a medical clinic and dialysis centers. Joshi said his experience in the state House demonstrates how he would work in Congress: “I’m the only candidate in this race with a proven conservative record to show that actions speak louder than mere words.”
As of June 4, 2024, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rated the general election Toss-up. Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated the general election Lean Democratic.