Summary

Current Position: US Representative for District 8
Affiliation: Democrat
Former Position: Pediatrician
District: encompassing sections of Adams County, Larimer County, and Weld County. The largest population centers are Brighton, Commerce City, Greeley, Johnstown, Northglenn, and Thornton.  
Upcoming Election: Running for a second term

Yadira D. Caraveo is Colorado’s first Latina member of Congress. Caraveo represented the 31st district in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023.

OnAir Post: Yadira Caraveo C0-08

News

Gabe Evans wins Republican primary
Colorado Newsline, Chase Woodruff – June 25, 2024

Evans will face U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo in state’s most competitive congressional race

State Rep. Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton will be the 2024 Republican nominee in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District as the GOP seeks to flip the state’s most competitive seat from red to blue.

Evans defeated former state Rep. Janak Joshi in Tuesday’s primary election, according to The Associated Press. With 18,729 ballots counted as of 7:30 p.m., Evans had a lead of 76% to 23%.

An Army veteran and former Arvada police officer, Evans was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2022. He emerged as the party’s favored candidate in the 8th District primary, winning endorsements from a long list of state and national GOP insiders, and his best-known rival for the nomination, Weld County Commissioner Scott James, withdrew from the race in February.

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Media

Latest News

About

Source: Government

Pediatrician Yadira Caraveo has dedicated her life to serving Colorado families – first as a doctor, and now as the first representative of Colorado’s new 8th Congressional District. In 2022, she made history by becoming Colorado’s first Latina federal representative.

The daughter of working-class Mexican immigrants, Caraveo was raised in Adams County. She worked hard as a student in the Adams 12 Five Star Public School system and then at Regis University, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree. Caraveo earned her medical degree at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and became a pediatrician after completing her internship and residency at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center.

As a doctor serving our community, Caraveo saw firsthand how high costs, slow wage growth, and inaccessible healthcare are pushing the American Dream further out of reach for Colorado families. After a particularly difficult fight with an insurance company, Caraveo was driven to run for elected office so she could advocate for systemic change that would help her patients and community.

Caraveo served in the Colorado legislature, where she took on special interests and worked to lower costs for all Coloradans. Now, as a Member of Congress, Caraveo is focused on continuing that work.

She is working to lower costs for families, improve healthcare access, and ensure every child in Colorado has the opportunities they deserve. Caraveo serves on the House Agriculture Committee, serving as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, and she serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Personal

Full Name: Yadira Caraveo

Gender: Female

Birth Place: Denver, CO

Home City: Thornton, CO

Source: Vote Smart

Education

MD, Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 2004-2009

BS, Biology, Regis University, 1999-2003

Political Experience

Representative, United States House of Representatives, Colorado, District 8, 2023-present

Representative, Colorado State House of Representatives, District 31, 2019-2022

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Colorado, District 8, 2022

Professional Experience

Pediatrician, Peak Pediatrics, 2014-present

Pediatrician, Horizon Primary Care, 2012-2014

Pediatric Resident, University of New Mexico, 2009-2012

Offices

Washington DC Office
1024 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515Phone: (202) 225-5625
Fax: (771) 200-5726

Northglenn District Office
10701 Melody Drive
Suite 500
Northglenn, CO  80234Phone: (303) 723-6560
Fax: (771) 200-5726

Greeley District Office
3400 W. 16th Street Building 1S
Suite C
Greeley, CO  80634Phone: (970) 324-2567
Fax: (771) 200-5726

Contact

Email: Government

Web Links

Politics

Source: none

Election Results

To learn more, go to the wikipedia section in this post.

Finances

Source: Vote Smart

Committees

House Agriculture Committee:

The House Agriculture Committee oversees farm subsidies, rural development initiatives, and nutrition assistance programs. As the only Coloradan on the Agriculture Committee, Rep. Caraveo is focused on supporting our state’s farmers, ranchers, and producers, lowering food costs, advocating for rural families, and ensuring Colorado families have access to healthy, nutritious food.

Subcommittee assignments:

  • (Ranking Member) Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development
  • Livestock, Dairy and Poultry
  • Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture and Horticulture

House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 

The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (SST) is responsible for developing policies that foster scientific innovation and secure the United States’ technological leadership. As a doctor, Rep. Caraveo understands that boosting scientific research helps create new technologies that fuel economic growth and save lives. She uses her seat on the SST Committee to bring federal funding to projects that keep Colorado and America at the forefront of technological innovation.

Subcommittee assignment:

  • Space and Aeronautics

Caucuses

Congressional caucuses are groups of Representatives who come together to pursue shared goals. Rep. Caraveo serves on the following caucuses:

The Health Care, Substance Use, and Mental Health Task Force

Rep. Caraveo serves as Vice Chair of this bipartisan task force, created in 2021 to develop and advocate for policies aimed at lowering the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse disorders and supporting vulnerable communities. Read more about the task force’s workhere.

House Hunger Caucus

Since 2007, the bipartisan House Hunger Caucus has provided a forum for Members of Congress to discuss, advance, engage, and work across the aisle on issues related to domestic and international hunger and food insecurity.

Congressional Labor Caucus

This caucus is comprised of over 100 members working to protect workers’ rights, to advance the priorities of workers and the labor movement, and to connect legislators directly with workers and unions. Read more about the caucus’ work here.

Pro-Choice Caucus

The Pro-Choice Caucus is a coalition of Members of Congress who work to preserve, protect and advance policies that ensure reproductive autonomy for all people. The caucus serves as the first line of defense against anti-abortion legislation, while also advancing a proactive vision of affordable, accessible reproductive health care for all. Read more about the caucus’ workhere.

Equality Caucus

The Equality Caucus is dedicated to promoting equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. The caucus aims to protect and promote equality and repeal laws that discriminate against the LGBTQI+ community. Read more about the caucus’ workhere.

New Democrat Coalition

A caucus of over 100 forward-thinking Democrats who are pro-economic growth, pro-innovation, and fiscally responsible. These Democrats work across the aisle to support commonsense policies that help build an economy that works for every American. Read more about their workhere.

Future Forum

Established in 2015, Future Forum is a generational caucus comprised of young Members of Congress who focus on issues important to younger Americans. The caucus is guided by three core principles: bridging the divide between young Americans and their government, engaging with and empowering young voters, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in public service. Read more about their workhere.

Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus

The Congressional Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus provides a forum for Members of Congress to highlight and advocate for policies that aim to improve the delivery of health care and mental health services in rural areas. Read more about their work here.

See a full and up-to-date list of Rep. Caraveo’s caucuses here.

New Legislation

Learn more about legislation sponsored and co-sponsored by Congresswoman Caraveo.

Issues

Source: Government page

Lowering Costs

From housing to drug prices, the cost of living in Colorado has skyrocketed in recent years, and it’s hurting hardworking families. Congresswoman Caraveo is working on commonsense solutions that will lower costs and enable working-class families like the one she grew up in to achieve their version of the American Dream.

Rural Priorities

Colorado’s 8th Congressional District includes the richest agriculture – producing county east of the Rocky Mountains. The rural communities who work and support this land face unique challenges that demand new solutions.

Energy

Colorado is a national energy leader, ranking among the top 10 states in total energy output. Oil and gas production supports thousands of jobs in the 8th District alone, while solar and other renewable sources make up a growing percentage of Colorado’s energy mix.

Drug Crisis

We are losing nearly 2,000 Coloradans each year to fentanyl and meth overdoses.

As a doctor, Congresswoman Caraveo has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of addictive and dangerous substances like opioids in Colorado, which have torn families apart.  Caraveo’s first bill after being sworn in, the bipartisan TRANQ Research Act, confronts the next wave of the drug crisis head on, and was later passed on the House floor unanimously

Service Members and Veterans

Congresswoman Caraveo is using her position in Congress to keep that promise and provide our veterans the benefits and healthcare they need and deserve.

Immigration

Congresswoman Caraveo is a proud first-generation American whose parents immigrated to Colorado from Mexico. Caraveo’s parents worked tirelessly to help her live her own version of the American Dream. Now, as the first Latina doctor ever elected to Congress, Caraveo is dedicated to making that dream accessible to future generations.

Protecting Reproductive Rights

As a doctor, Congresswoman Caraveo believes the federal government should not be stepping into exam rooms to make medical choices on behalf of women.

Caraveo understands reproductive health is a very personal  subject that should remain between a woman and her doctor without the intervention of extremist judges, courts or politicians

Securing the Future

As a pediatrician, Congresswoman Caraveo has seen firsthand the needs and struggles of young people in our community. As a Member of Congress, Caraveo is focused on positioning our community so future generations have the same opportunities she had growing up. That means expanding access to high-quality and affordable education opportunities, fighting pollution and climate change, expanding our mental health support system, passing commonsense gun safety laws to protect kids at school, and more.

Seniors’ Issues

Congresswoman Caraveo is committed to protecting the needs of older members of our community. That means ensuring families get the benefits they have earned over years of hard work and making sure no one in our community gets left behind.

In Congress, Caraveo is fighting to protect Social Security and Medicare benefits that enable millions of seniors to retire with dignity, and programs like SNAP and Meals on Wheels that ensure older members of our community have the nutritious food they need and deserve.

Science and Aerospace

Colorado has been a science and aerospace hub for decades, fostering innovations that connect communities, drive down costs, and power our nation’s economy.

More Information

Services

Source: Government page

District

Source: Wikipedia

Colorado’s 8th congressional district is a new district in the United States House of Representatives that was apportioned after the 2020 United States census. The first congressional seat to be added to Colorado’s congressional delegation since 2001, the 8th district was drawn before the 2022 elections. The district was drawn by the Colorado Independent Redistricting Commission and approved in an 11–1 vote on September 28, 2021, before being approved unanimously by the Colorado Supreme Court on November 1, 2021.

Wikipedia

Yadira D. Caraveo (/jəˈdɪərə kɛərəˈveɪoʊ/ yə-DEER-ə kair-ə-VAY-oh; born December 23, 1980) is an American politician and pediatrician serving as the U.S. representative for Colorado’s 8th congressional district since 2023.[1][2] A Democrat, she is Colorado‘s first Latina member of Congress.[3][4]

Caraveo represented the 31st district in the Colorado House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023. The district covered parts of Adams and Weld counties.

Caraveo lost reelection in 2024 to Republican Gabe Evans.[5][6]

Early life and education

Caraveo was born in Denver to Mexican undocumented parents who arrived in the 1970s but were granted amnesty under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. She volunteered for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign while in medical school.[7] She received her bachelor’s degree from Regis University and later her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine.[8] Caraveo completed a residency in pediatrics at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center,[9] where she was also involved with the Committee of Interns and Residents union for resident physicians.[10]

Colorado House of Representatives

During her tenure as a state legislator, Caraveo was also a pediatrician practicing in Thornton, Colorado.[8] She has also served on the board of trustees for the Anythink Library system in Adams County since 2017.[11]

Caraveo in the Colorado House of Representatives

Election

Caraveo was elected in the general election on November 6, 2018, winning 55% of the vote to Republican nominee Rico Figueroa’s 39%.[12]

Tenure

Caraveo sponsored a bill giving free contraceptives and reproductive care to illegal immigrants, citing studies showing that the program lowers maternal mortality and infant mortality rates.[13] She sponsored a bill that would put an age requirement on some cannabis products, require coroners to conduct a THC test for all “unnatural deaths”, and put a cap on potency levels in products.[14] Caraveo argued the bill would stop younger people from getting addicted to cannabis, while opponents argued testing would be racially motivated.[15][16] The bill was co-sponsored by Republican members of the legislature and disavowed by Democratic House Speaker Alec Garnett.[17] She was the lead sponsor of a sex education law that prohibited abstinence-only curriculum and required schools to teach students about consent.[18]

Committees

During the 73rd general assembly, Caraveo served on the following committees:[19]

  • Health & Insurance (Vice Chair)
  • Education

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2022

Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado § District 8

On August 24, 2021, Caraveo announced her candidacy for Colorado’s 8th congressional district.[20] She was endorsed by former Colorado Speaker of the House KC Becker, State Senator Faith Winter, State Senator Jessie Danielson, and others.[21] On April 5, 2022, Caraveo secured the Democratic nomination.[22] On November 9, 2022, Caraveo defeated Republican nominee Barbara Kirkmeyer in the general election, becoming Colorado’s first Latina member of Congress.[23][24]

2024

Main article: 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Colorado § District 8

Caraveo ran for re-election in 2024 against Republican Gabe Evans. She was defeated by Evans in the general election.[25]

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[26]

Caucus memberships

Personal life

Caraveo is Roman Catholic.[28][29] In August 2024, Caraveo announced that she had begun treatment for depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.[30]

Electoral history

Electoral history of Yadira Caraveo
YearOfficePartyPrimaryGeneralResultSwingRef.
Total%P.Total%P.
2018State HouseDemocratic6,049100.0%1st16,24255.02%1stWonHold[31]
2020Democratic9,677100.0%1st27,687100.0%1stWonHold[32]
2022U.S. HouseDemocratic38,837100.0%1st114,37748.36%1stWonWin[33]
Source: Secretary of State of Colorado | Election Results

See also

References

  1. ^ Rakich, Nathaniel (November 10, 2022). “2022 Midterm Elections: Live Results And Latest Updates”. FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  2. ^ Woodruff, Chase (November 9, 2022). “Democrat Caraveo upsets GOP’s Kirkmeyer to win new 8th Congressional District seat in Colorado”. Colorado Newsline. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
  3. ^ “Latino voters make the difference, elect Dr. Yadira Caraveo as Colorado’s first Latina in Congress”. Al Día News. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  4. ^ Fish, Sandra (November 14, 2022). “How Yadira Caraveo, used to being an underdog, became the first Latina from Colorado elected to Congress”. The Colorado Sun. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  5. ^ “Gabe Evans flips 8th Congressional District for Republicans as Rep. Yadira Caraveo concedes race”. The Denver Post. November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Paul, Jesse (November 10, 2024). “Gabe Evans unseats Yadira Caraveo in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District”. The Colorado Sun. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  7. ^ Jordan, Mary; Balz, Dan (November 2, 2018). “The faces of women in the 2018 midterms”. The Washington Post. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  8. ^ a b “Colorado House District 31 candidate Q&A”. The Denver Post. October 10, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  9. ^ “Yadira Caraveo, MD”. Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  10. ^ Frieden, Joyce (January 1, 2022). “Healthcare, Reproductive Rights a Big Part of Pediatrician’s Congressional Campaign”. Medpage Today. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  11. ^ “Yadira Caraveo appointed to Anythink Board of Trustees”. anythinklibraries.org. March 20, 2017. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  12. ^ “Colorado Election Results – Election Results 2018 – The New York Times”. The New York Times. November 6, 2018. Retrieved November 25, 2018.
  13. ^ Nieberg, Patty (May 26, 2021). “Colorado bill would give free contraceptives to immigrants”. Associated Press. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  14. ^ Birkeland, Bente (April 27, 2021). “Concerns Over Teens And High Potency Marijuana Have No Easy Answers At Statehouse”. Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  15. ^ Birkeland, Bente (May 14, 2021). “Bill That Would Restrict Teen Marijuana Use Is Now At The Capitol”. Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  16. ^ Paul, Jesse (February 10, 2021). “Colorado’s marijuana industry flexed its big muscles and now an effort to limit pot potency is unraveling”. The Colorado Sun. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  17. ^ Burness, Alex (February 4, 2021). “A Colorado Democrat wants to cap THC levels in marijuana products at 15%”. The Denver Post. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  18. ^ Birkeland, Bente. “Colorado CD 8: Yadira Caraveo — what to know”. Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  19. ^ “Colorado General Assembly: Yadira Caraveo”. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  20. ^ Paul, Jesse (August 24, 2021). “The first established politician has jumped into the race for Colorado’s new 8th Congressional District”. The Colorado Sun. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  21. ^ Luning, Ernest (August 31, 2021). “Dem congressional candidate Yadira Caraveo picks up endorsements from lawmakers”. The Gazette. Colorado Springs. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  22. ^ Fish, Sandra (April 6, 2022). “Yadira Caraveo secures Democratic nomination in Colorado’s highly competitive 8th Congressional District”. Colorado Sun. Retrieved April 7, 2022.
  23. ^ Luning, Ernest (August 31, 2021). “Dem congressional candidate Yadira Caraveo picks up endorsements from lawmakers”. Colorado Politics. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  24. ^ Paul, Jesse (November 9, 2022). “Democrat Yadira Caraveo wins close race in Colorado’s new 8th Congressional District”. The Colorado Sun. Retrieved November 13, 2022.
  25. ^ Paul, Jesse (November 10, 2024). “Gabe Evans unseats Yadira Caraveo in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District”. The Colorado Sun. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  26. ^ “Yadira Caraveo”. Clerk of the United States House of Representatives. Retrieved April 16, 2023.
  27. ^ “Rare Disease Congressional Caucus”. Every Life Foundation for Rare Diseases. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  28. ^ “Religious affiliation of members of 118th Congress” (PDF). PEW Research Center. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  29. ^ “Faith on the Hill: The religious composition of the 118th Congress”. Pew Research Center. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  30. ^ Sarles, Jesse (August 26, 2024). “Colorado’s Rep. Yadira Caraveo seeks treatment for depression, says she’s taking “my own advice” – CBS Colorado”. www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  31. ^ “2018 Abstract of Votes Cast” (PDF). Denver: Secretary of State of Colorado. 2018. pp. 74, 116. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  32. ^ “2020 Abstract of Votes Cast” (PDF). Denver: Secretary of State of Colorado. 2020. pp. 75, 115. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  33. ^ Primary election:

    General election:

Colorado House of Representatives
Preceded by

 Member of the Colorado House of Representatives
from the 31st district
2019–2023		Succeeded by

U.S. House of Representatives
New constituency Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Colorado’s 8th congressional district
2023–present		Succeeded by

U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

 United States representatives by seniority
355th		Succeeded by


source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yadira_Caraveo