Freshman Republican Representative Gabe Evans of Colorado is already facing challenges just months after being sworn in on January 3. Democrats, including prominent figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are targeting him ahead of the 2026 elections. Ocasio-Cortez criticized Evans during a rally in his district in March, claiming that constituents “deserve better” and accusing him of plans to cut Medicaid.
Evans made headlines for flipping a congressional seat in a blue state, narrowly defeating incumbent Democrat Yadira Caraveo in the 2024 election. His victory was notable, as he is the only Republican to win a seat from a Democrat in a blue state that year. Despite receiving Donald Trump’s endorsement, Evans did not have the backing of the Colorado state party during his primary campaign. Now in Congress, he aims to leverage his experience as a law enforcement officer and his position on the Energy & Commerce Committee to forge bipartisan solutions.
Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, which Evans represents, is a diverse area that includes the northeast suburbs of Denver and parts of Greeley. This district was designed to be a Hispanic-majority area, with 40% of its population identifying as Hispanic. It also plays a crucial role in Colorado’s economy, being a major energy producer. Weld County, located in this district, ranks fourth nationally for energy production, contributing significantly to the state’s oil and gas output.
In his discussions about the district, Evans emphasized the concerns of his constituents, highlighting issues such as job availability, cost of living, and public safety. He pointed out that Colorado has faced rising crime rates and high auto theft rates in recent years. Evans believes that these challenges contributed to his electoral success, as voters were already aware of the problems they faced.
Ocasio-Cortez’s visit to Evans’s district was seen as a strategic move by Democrats to regain ground after their losses in the 2024 elections. Evans characterized her presence as out of touch with local realities and pointed to the economic struggles faced by workers in the oil and gas industry, exacerbated by policies he associates with the Biden administration.
Amidst the political rhetoric, Evans has also been addressing accusations from Democrats regarding Medicaid cuts. He noted that a billboard claiming he would cut Medicaid was taken down after he challenged its accuracy. He argues that the focus should be on eliminating waste and fraud within programs like Medicaid to ensure their sustainability.
Evans shared personal insights, mentioning his own family’s medical challenges and underscoring the importance of maintaining viable healthcare programs for families. He criticized the way some reports have been used against him, particularly those from the Congressional Budget Office, arguing that they often misrepresent the financial implications of policies.
As a former law enforcement officer, Evans is keenly aware of how policies affect public safety. He has introduced legislation aimed at supporting law enforcement officers, particularly in light of challenges posed by Colorado’s status as a sanctuary state. He believes that empowering local law enforcement is essential to addressing the drug crisis, which has seen a surge in overdose deaths in recent years.
In a lighter moment during the interview, Evans shared his admiration for historical figure Jan III Sobieski, the king of Poland known for his role in the relief of Vienna in 1683. He sees parallels between Sobieski’s leadership and the importance of standing firm against challenges today.
This ongoing political landscape in Colorado’s 8th District highlights the intense competition and the stakes involved as both parties prepare for the upcoming elections. Evans’s unique background and approach may play a significant role in shaping the future of this district.