Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.) on Sunday conceded her reelection race to Republican Gabe Evans, in a win for the GOP as they inch closer to winning control of the lower chamber.
The close race for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District still has not been called by The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Colorado’s 8th district. I came to Congress to get things done, and have spent the last two years working to find common ground and bipartisan solutions to the most pressing issues facing our community,” the first-term congresswoman said in a statement Sunday.
Caraveo praised her supporters and the “diverse, people-powered campaign that brought together a coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters.”
“While this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, the work is not over,” she continued. “I look forward to returning to Washington to finish out this term and will continue to be an independent voice for the people of this district.”
Shortly after Caraveo’s concession, Evans posted a statement saying he’s eager to serve his future constituents and thanking his wife, his campaign staff and his opponent.
“I am incredibly humbled to be chosen as the next Congressman for Colorado’s 8th. It is an honor to be entrusted with the job of representing you and your families, and I am ready to fight back for a better direction for all Coloradans,” Evans wrote.
“Thank you also Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo for your service and gracious concession. I look forward to working with her and her team to transition this office over the next few months,” he added later.
With more than 95 percent of the votes counted on Sunday, Evans was leading Caraveo by fewer than 2,600 votes: 162,022 votes to 159,426, or 49 percent of the vote to 48.2 percent.
The two other candidates in the race both exceeded the margin between the top two vote-getters: Approval Voting Party candidate Chris Baum received 5,699 votes, or 1.7 percent of the vote, while Unity Party candidate Susan Hall received 3,645 votes, or 1.1 percent.
The latest race puts Republicans within reach of the majority in the House. As of Saturday night, Caraveo’s race against Evans was one of 10 House races left to be called since voters cast ballots last week.
