FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Former Colorado Rep.Yadira Caraveo Ends Re-election Bid, Citing Mental Health Stigma
WASHINGTON - Former U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo announced Friday she is ending her campaign to regain the Colorado 8th Congressional District seat she lost in November 2023 to Republican Gabe Evans. Caraveo, a pediatrician, served one term representing the district before being defeated by Evans, who received 163,320 votes to Caraveo’s 160,871, according to Ballotpedia.
In a prepared statement, Caraveo described her decision as difficult, attributing it to “very strong resistance to my candidacy this cycle due almost entirely to the stigmatization of mental health in America.” She expressed hope for a future with greater acceptance and understanding of mental illness, advocating for support “in actions and not just words.”
Caraveo publicly disclosed last year that she had received treatment for depression at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, as reported by The Hill.
Concerns regarding Caraveo’s mental health, alongside allegations of mistreatment of campaign and congressional staff, reportedly factored into Democratic Party leaders’ considerations, according to The Colorado sun.The outlet previously reported in May that staff and aides had implemented a safety plan, including removing sharp objects from her offices, following concerns about suicidal thoughts.
Caraveo, the first Hispanic woman elected to represent Colorado in Congress, faced challenges in fundraising and securing major endorsements, The Colorado Sun noted. The 8th Congressional District is a competitive swing district encompassing the northern suburbs of Denver and Greeley, making it a key target for both Republican and Democratic parties.