DENVER — Republican Gabe Evans emerged victorious over Democratic incumbent Yadira Caraveo on Tuesday in a highly publicized race, successfully flipping the Colorado House seat located north of Denver.

The contest for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, established after the redistricting process in 2020, was a pivotal element in the Republican strategy for maintaining House control. This race also served as a critical examination of how both parties appeal to Latino voters, who constitute nearly 40% of the district’s demographics.

Both candidates, Evans, a state representative, and Caraveo, a pediatrician, share a heritage as descendants of Mexican immigrants, a detail they prominently featured throughout their campaigns. They geared their messaging toward undecided individuals and Latino voters, often attempting to carve out positions that distanced themselves from the more extreme views of their respective parties.

Endorsed by Donald Trump, Evans expressed disagreement with several of the former president’s stances, particularly regarding Trump’s controversial proposal to deploy the National Guard for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. A former member of the National Guard, Evans criticized this idea, yet emphasized the importance of border security and combating crime related to immigration as central themes of his campaign. He advocated for stricter security measures while also promoting pathways for legal migration.

Throughout her congressional tenure and during her campaign efforts, Caraveo also broke from her party line by calling for enhanced border security and advocating for tougher policies on crime. She sought to associate Evans with Trump’s more radical propositions and his inflammatory rhetoric towards immigrants, positioning herself as a moderate alternative.

This race has significant implications for both parties, reflecting the evolving political landscape in Colorado and the ongoing efforts to connect with diverse voter groups. The outcome may serve as a bellwether for future elections, particularly in districts with substantial Latino populations.