October 20th 2024.
The topic of abortion access has become a major talking point for Democrats, and it's something that U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo is well aware of. During her recent campaign events, the issue was never far from the spotlight, whether she was speaking to a crowd in a busy office building in Denver or in a peaceful backyard in rural Larimer County.
In fact, Caraveo even invited Dr. Rebecca Cohen, a Colorado-based abortion provider, to speak to a group of over 100 volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Northglenn. As a pediatrician and former state lawmaker, Caraveo also shared a personal story about a 14-year-old girl who came to her office with a stomach ache, only to find out that she was pregnant. This situation has become even more complicated in light of the 2022 Supreme Court decision ending Roe v. Wade.
"It's hard to believe that we live in a country where these conversations are becoming more and more difficult," Caraveo expressed, even though Colorado is known for its progressive stance on protecting access to abortion.
While her comments were met with cheers and applause from the audience, it's important to note that abortion is not the only key issue in the tight race for the 8th Congressional District between Caraveo and her Republican opponent, Gabe Evans. According to recent polls, the economy, immigration, and housing affordability are top concerns for voters in this heavily Latino district. As a result, Caraveo's political opponents have spent millions of dollars on ads highlighting what they perceive as her failures on border security, crime, job opportunities, and the opioid crisis.
Caraveo has also faced criticism from some of her more progressive allies for moderating her views on certain issues, such as immigration and energy extraction. However, as she fights to maintain her spot in one of the most closely contested House races in the country, she continues to prioritize the needs and concerns of her constituents.
During a recent gathering of friendly voters in a backyard in the Riverglen neighborhood, Caraveo acknowledged that there are still 12% of voters who have yet to decide on their candidate. "We need to hold onto the seats we currently have, especially in such close races," she stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a majority in the House of Representatives.
In a one-on-one interview with The Denver Post, Caraveo reflected on her upbringing in a family of four children in south Adams County. Her parents immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and her father supported the family through construction jobs. This humble background inspired Caraveo to pursue higher education, eventually earning her medical degree and entering the world of politics.
As a doctor, Caraveo's patient demographic was primarily made up of those on Medicaid, giving her a unique perspective on the struggles faced by working-class and immigrant families. "The biggest issue is the cost of living," she acknowledged. "Colorado has long struggled with affordable housing, and even though inflation is slowing down, people are still struggling to make ends meet."
Political science professor Kyle Saunders from Colorado State University believes that in such a tight race, both Caraveo and Evans must tread carefully and avoid extreme stances. "The key for both candidates is to remain moderate without alienating their base," he explained.
For Caraveo, health care is a personal motivator in her political career. "One of the main reasons I decided to run for office was to address the affordability of prescription drugs and ensure that health care is accessible and affordable for all, especially those I saw in my clinic," she shared.
Despite facing criticism and negative attack ads from her opponent, Caraveo has the advantage of incumbency and has raised significantly more funds for her campaign. However, she remains driven to address the everyday concerns of her constituents and push for legislation that will benefit them.
Former state Representative Susan Lontine, who served with Caraveo on the Colorado House's Health and Insurance Committee, praised her as a determined and intelligent individual. "She was a strong advocate for equal treatment of all," Lontine stated. Denver City Councilwoman Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, who ran for the state House alongside Caraveo in 2018, also remembers their time in the Latino Caucus and praised Caraveo's dedication to immigrant rights and protections.
However, Caraveo's role as a public figure has not been without its challenges. She bravely shared her own battle with depression earlier this year, which required her to seek treatment at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. In her interview, she revealed that she has struggled with depression since her teenage years.
As she fights for a second term in Congress, Caraveo remains focused on addressing the needs of her constituents and pushing for legislation that will improve their daily lives. "My priority is to pass bills that address the everyday concerns of people, whether it's health care, prescription drugs, food, affordable housing, utilities, and more," she stated. "I will continue to fight for the people I represent and make sure their voices are heard."
The issue of abortion access has become a major topic for Democrats, and Representative Yadira Caraveo is well aware of its significance. During her recent weekend campaign events, the topic of abortion rights was always at the forefront, whether she was speaking to a crowd in the busy suburbs of Denver or in a peaceful backyard in Larimer County.
At one event, Caraveo invited Dr. Rebecca Cohen, a Colorado-based abortion provider, to speak to a group of about 100 volunteers before they headed out to canvass. In her speech, Caraveo, a pediatrician and former state lawmaker, shared a story about a 14-year-old girl who came to her with stomach pain, only to find out that she was pregnant. This situation has become more complicated and emotionally charged following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Caraveo expressed her shock at the idea of not being able to have an open conversation about abortion, especially in a state like Colorado where access to the procedure is protected. This issue has certainly gained attention in the tight race for the 8th Congressional District between Caraveo and her Republican opponent, Gabe Evans. However, it is not the only factor driving voters. The economy, immigration, and housing affordability are also major concerns for the heavily Latino district, according to a recent poll. Caraveo's opponents have spent millions of dollars on advertisements highlighting what they see as her shortcomings in areas such as border security, crime, and energy.
The congresswoman has also faced criticism from the left for moderating some of her more progressive views on issues like immigration and energy extraction. This has caused some tension with her allies, but Caraveo is focused on winning the Nov. 5 election, which is expected to be a close and pivotal race.
At a small gathering of about 35 voters in a backyard in the Riverglen neighborhood, Caraveo spoke about her efforts to win over the 12% of voters who have not yet made up their minds. She emphasized the importance of retaining the seats that Democrats currently hold, saying, "That majority runs right through the middle of the 8th District."
In an interview with The Denver Post, Caraveo, 43, reflected on her upbringing in south Adams County, where she grew up with three siblings in a modest household. Her parents immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, and her father worked in construction to support the family. This background motivated Caraveo to pursue higher education, become a doctor, and eventually enter politics.
As a pediatrician, Caraveo saw firsthand the struggles faced by working-class and immigrant families, with two-thirds of her patients being on Medicaid. This experience has shaped her priorities, particularly in terms of making healthcare accessible and affordable for all. She also acknowledges the issue of affordability in general, citing concerns about the cost of living and the lack of affordable housing in Colorado.
Political science professor Kyle Saunders from Colorado State University believes that in a tight race like this, both candidates need to appeal to the middle ground and not alienate their respective bases. Caraveo's efforts to move towards the center are seen as a strategic move, given the voters' ambivalence towards economic issues.
The 8th Congressional District, created in 2021 after Colorado gained an additional seat in Congress, encompasses both the northern suburbs of Denver and the farms and oil fields near Greeley. When Caraveo first ran for this seat in 2022, she won by a narrow margin against Republican state Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer. Caraveo made history as the first Latina representative from Colorado in Congress.
In her bid for re-election, Caraveo has the advantage of being the incumbent and has raised nearly $7 million, compared to her opponent's significantly smaller campaign fund. However, she has also faced a barrage of negative ads from Republican-backed groups, making her own attack ads a regular feature on local TV news.
Caraveo often draws on her experience as a pediatrician to respond to criticism, especially on issues related to healthcare. She has also been vocal about her support for affordable prescription drugs, citing this as one of the reasons she entered politics. In her first term, she successfully passed a bill that focused on researching and regulating the use of a powerful and potentially lethal animal tranquilizer in illicit drugs.
Looking ahead, if re-elected, Caraveo's focus will be on addressing the everyday concerns of her constituents. She plans to push for legislation that tackles issues such as healthcare, prescription drugs, and affordable housing. Her colleagues in the legislature have praised her determination and commitment to social justice issues, particularly for immigrant rights and protections.
Despite her successes, Caraveo has faced personal challenges, including a struggle with depression that she openly shared with the public earlier this year. In her interview with The Denver Post, she spoke about her battle with depression since she was a teenager. Despite these challenges, Caraveo remains determined to serve her community and continue fighting for the issues that matter to her constituents.
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