Colorado Treasurer Dave Young is turning his eye from the State Capitol to the U.S Capitol. The Greeley Democrat is running for Congress for the 8th Congressional District.

“I know how to do the work. I’ve got a track record to show I’ve done it, especially on Medicaid and on the kitchen table economic issues that families face, ” Young told CPR News.

The 8th Congressional District, which stretches from the northern Denver suburbs to Greeley in Weld County, is rated a toss-up race. In the two elections since its creation, it’s been the focus of a lot of campaign money, ads and national political interest, especially with control of the chamber at stake.

Republican Rep. Gabe Evans flipped the seat in 2024 by less than 2,500 votes, making him one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the chamber.

Young said it was Evans’ support for his party’s proposed cuts to Medicaid and other safety net programs that helped him decide to enter the Democratic primary for the seat and a chance to run against him next fall.