2026 Congressional Candidate Policy Positions

Colorado

House Candidates District 8

Amie Baca-Oehlert
Shannon Bird
Evan Munsing
John Szemler
Manny Rutinel
Dave Young
  • Other
    When I look at Congress, I don’t see enough teachers, Latinas, moms, union members. But what I do see is a broken system, a very broken system, where we have a lot of politicians who are looking out for the well-connected and the wealthy and not looking out for everyday Coloradans.

    Photo Source, courtesy of CEA

  • Other
    Shannon’s love of public service led her to run first for the Westminster City Council and eventually for the State House, where she serves today.

    In the legislature, Shannon has fought to create and protect jobs, support our small businesses, protect abortion rights, get dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals, combat climate change, lower the cost of housing, and help make sure retirees get the benefits they’ve earned.

    Photo Source

  • Other
    My campaign for Congress will be a courageous struggle for a "Whole of Life" platform. I will advocate for a High-Tech, High-Wage Economy, Expanding the ACA to Universal Healthcare, Strong Environmental protection, A Secure Border, and stopping endless wars & funding other nations' wars.

  • Other
    As a Marine Corps veteran, business executive focused on building and supporting small businesses, and nonprofit leader delivering health services to veterans and first responders, Evan knows the mission is about getting real results for real people. // Evan has experience leading, growing, and investing in American businesses. He’s managed complex organizations with hundreds of employees, hired and coached CEOs, and invested millions into small businesses that have created jobs for hardworking Americans.

    Photo Source

  • Other
    I went on to graduate with a Master’s in Economics from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from Yale Law School. After law school, I became an environmental attorney to protect our air, land, and water. I now represent the good people of Adams County in the Colorado State House, fighting for our hardworking families and defending the rights and freedoms of every Coloradan.

    Photo Source

  • Economy
    Protect Social Security and Medicare so Coloradans can retire with dignity and security while his opponent votes to slash government programs, hurting the most vulnerable populations. Make housing more affordable by supporting solutions that increase supply and reduce costs for renters and homeowners alike. Fight to lower costs for working families, not lower taxes for the rich and powerful. Champion small businesses by cutting red tape, expanding access to capital, and helping local entrepreneurs grow and thrive.

    Environment
    Partner with farmers and ranchers to support sustainable practices and ensure clean energy investments benefit rural Colorado. Invest in clean energy infrastructure that grows jobs instead of eliminating them. Protect Colorado’s water resources to ensure future generations can thrive.

    Healthcare
    Protect and strengthen Medicare and Medicaid so every Coloradan can get the care they need, regardless of income or location. Work to lower prescription drug costs and expand access to quality providers in rural areas. Ensure that rural voices are included in health care policy decisions, not left behind.

    Education
    Ensure every student attends a school that’s fully funded and well-resourced, so teachers can focus on teaching. Invest in career and technical education, apprenticeships, and community colleges to prepare students for the jobs of the future.
    Fight for higher pay and better support for teachers and school staff. Prioritize school safety by supporting mental health resources and common-sense safety measures.

    Photo Source

  • Economy
    Our country is spending money we don’t have, leading to inflation and the always-growing national debt. Reducing, and eventually eliminating, the budget deficit is critical to long term prosperity. We can achieve that by reducing spending on frivolous government projects, such as so-called Green New Deal initiatives and DEI programs.

    Immigration
    As the grandson of Mexican immigrants, I feel strongly about the issue of immigration. It is an issue that hits close to home because Colorado’s sanctuary state policies have led to the presence of cartels and illegal criminals gangs like Tren de Aragua. Our hospitals and school systems are struggling, Colorado is leading the nation in all the wrong categories like auto theft, and our state’s fentanyl crisis has taken thousands of lives. There’s no question the status quo is unsustainable.

    As a Colorado police officer for over a decade, I know we can do better. There are many aspects of the immigration system that need fixing, but my priorities are: secure the physical border, streamline the system for legal immigration, and deport illegal immigrants who commit crimes.

    Education
    As a second-generation homeschooler and father, I know kids deserve to thrive in the environment that best fits their unique needs. School choice is one of the most important civil rights issues of our day. No child should be trapped in an underperforming school simply because he or she lives in the wrong zip code. I will fight to empower families by breaking down barriers and improving transparency to protect parental rights. Parents have a right to insight into their child’s education and curriculum.

    Healthcare
    Prescription drug prices have risen to astronomical costs in America while other countries have accessibility to the same medication for a fraction of the cost. We can fix this by cutting out the middle man and putting patients and doctors back in charge. Consumers should have price transparency and be able to take their health plan from one job to the next. This is also why I support free market policies, which will allow good competition and bring down costs. Finally, I have supported policies that increase rural healthcare access by giving physician assistants greater flexibility to treat patients.

    Housing
    Currently, national inflation and the high cost of living in Colorado makes it difficult for families to make ends meet, let alone afford to buy a home. I am working to make homeownership an attainable dream for every Coloradan by reducing regulations that inhibit affordable housing. Two of the biggest barriers are excessive construction defect liability and expensive building codes based on climate alarmism. I worked to solve these issues in the state legislature, and I aim to continue to do that in Congress.

    Photo Source

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