Yadira Caraveo steps back from congressional race amid mental health challenges

In Colorado, former Representative Yadira Caraveo announced her withdrawal from the race to reclaim her congressional seat on September 12, 2025. Caraveo was notably the first Latina member of Congress from the state, having served as the representative of Colorado's 8th Congressional District for one term after winning her election in 2023, a seat established due to the population increase in the state since the last redistricting process. Her tenure in Congress was marked by both achievements and difficulties, ultimately leading to her defeat in the November 2024 election to Republican Gabe Evans. Despite receiving a considerable portion of the votes, Caraveo lost by a narrow margin, with Evans securing 163,320 votes against her 160,871, as noted by Ballotpedia. Her attempt to regain the seat was hindered by various factors, particularly the stigma surrounding mental health, which she cited as a significant barrier in her decision-making process. In her prepared statement announcing her exit from the race, Caraveo emphasized the societal resistance she faced, primarily due to the misunderstandings surrounding mental health issues in America and expressed hope for an eventual change in attitudes towards such illnesses. The Democratic Party leadership exhibited concern regarding her mental health and the allegations of mistreatment towards her staff, leading to discussions about her stability and capability as a candidate in this forthcoming election cycle. Reports also emerged indicating that her team had devised a safety plan involving the removal of sharp objects from her office due to claims regarding her mental state, highlighting the severity of the issues she faced. Caraveo's struggles with mental health came to light after she disclosed her treatment for depression at a military medical center in Maryland, which raised questions about her candidacy. Additionally, there were concerns regarding her fundraising efforts, as she struggled to secure financial backing for her campaign, lacking significant endorsements. Currently, several challengers are vying for the Democratic nomination in a district that has shown to be competitive in recent elections, indicating that the political landscape in this region remains contentious following Caraveo's withdrawal. Colorado's 8th Congressional District continues to stand out as a pivotal area, capturing the attention of both major political parties as they strategize for the upcoming elections.