“Rutinel’s plan draws on his strong track record in the state legislature of working across the aisle to hold criminals accountable, protect families, and fund state and local law enforcement.”
“I’m ready to take the same approach in Congress to keep families safe. That means making sure state and local police have the training and resources they need, stopping the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into our communities, and holding criminals accountable.”
Fund police departments and give them the resources they need
Hire and keep more police officers
Improve police officers' pay, benefits and well-being
Invest in better training for police officers
“In Congress, I’ll fight to invest in:
Fully staffed local police departments, new fire stations, improved water systems, better roads, and modernized school buildings.”
“Investing in Law Enforcement: I will make our communities safer by fully funding our local police, ensuring they have the resources to hire and keep officers, and respond quickly when you need them most. I'll also deliver dedicated federal funding to support law enforcement in our small towns and rural areas, which have too often been overlooked by Washington.”
“In Colorado, I’ve consistently voted to fund law enforcement, ensuring safer communities for our families. I delivered over $2 billion to support Colorado police, and championed a bipartisan effort, strongly backed by local County Sheriffs, to create a $350 million fund to recruit, thoroughly train, and retain dedicated officers, and provide vital support for the families of our fallen heroes.”
“Rutinel’s plan draws on his strong track record in the state legislature of working across the aisle to hold criminals accountable, protect families, and fund state and local law enforcement.”
“I’m ready to take the same approach in Congress to keep families safe. That means making sure state and local police have the training and resources they need, stopping the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into our communities, and holding criminals accountable.”
“Investing in community needs – including resources for state and local police and first responders, mental health and addiction treatment, lower health care and housing costs, and improved public education.”
“Investing over $2 billion in Colorado law enforcement, including joining a bipartisan push backed by Colorado's County Sheriffs to create a $350 million fund to recruit, train, and retain police officers,”
“I’m ready to take the same approach in Congress to keep families safe. That means making sure state and local police have the training and resources they need, stopping the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into our communities, and holding criminals accountable.”
Other things the site says about law, crime and courts (6)
“I successfully pushed for tough, bipartisan laws that directly protect children in our communities: cracking down hard on human trafficking, imposing much harsher penalties on child sex offenders, and making sure teachers and coaches are legally required to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours.”
“Prioritized public safety and led a bipartisan crackdown on human trafficking, giving local governments new tools to shut down illicit businesses tied to trafficking. The bill passed the House 63-0 and was signed into law.”
Protect abortion patients and providers from prosecution and harassment
“Support Bodily Autonomy: When it comes to abortion, the government needs to respect Americans’ freedom to make our own decisions about our own families without interference from politicians or anyone else. Politicians have no place in a private medical decision.”
“The endorsement follows Rutinel's endorsement from Planned Parenthood Action Fund and underscores his unwavering record of fighting to protect women’s health care, including as a cosponsor of SB25 129, which shields Colorado abortion providers and patients from out-of-state investigation and prosecution under the Trump administration.”
“I will reduce the burden on working- and middle-class families by bringing down the costs of everyday things – prescription drugs, health care premiums, and energy bills.”
“I’ll lower healthcare costs. We need to expand Medicare’s power to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs just like the VA does for our veterans. That’s not just saving seniors money. It’s saving taxpayers money by cutting the federal deficit by hundreds of billions because Medicare will no longer have to pay exorbitant prices to Big Pharma.”
“Investing in community needs – including resources for state and local police and first responders, mental health and addiction treatment, lower health care and housing costs, and improved public education.”
“In sharp contrast to Gabe Evans, who votes with Trump and his reckless, cost-hiking agenda 100% of the time, Rutinel is running to lower health care, grocery, utility, and housing costs for Coloradans, fight for working families, and end corruption in Washington.”
Lower insulin costs, such as with a $35 monthly cap
Cap what patients pay for prescription drugs
“I will reduce the burden on working- and middle-class families by bringing down the costs of everyday things – prescription drugs, health care premiums, and energy bills.”
“I’ll lower healthcare costs. We need to expand Medicare’s power to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs just like the VA does for our veterans. That’s not just saving seniors money. It’s saving taxpayers money by cutting the federal deficit by hundreds of billions because Medicare will no longer have to pay exorbitant prices to Big Pharma.”
“Americans pay more for prescription drugs than anywhere else. Instead of paying $400 a month for insulin, seniors with diabetes should not pay more than $35 a month. I want to cap the cost of insulin at $35 a month for every American who needs it and provide similar benefits for other essential medicines.”
“He then emphasizes his frustration with political corruption and walks voters through his work to lower insulin prices, crack down on grocery price gouging, and building more affordable housing in the Colorado State House.”
“Stop Tariffs and Healthcare Cuts That Drive Up Costs: Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of everyday goods like groceries and housing. Trump said he would lower, not raise prices, but his tariffs and his hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid and healthcare credits, which families rely on, pinch families’ budgets further.”
“Tonight, Rutinel will focus on his plans to lower costs – including by ending Trump’s reckless tariffs that are hurting families and small businesses, restoring Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding, and ending Trump’s war in Iran that’s raising prices here at home – while holding Evans accountable for failing Colorado families.”
Protect, strengthen and expand the Affordable Care Act
Restore and extend the ACA premium tax credits
“Stop Tariffs and Healthcare Cuts That Drive Up Costs: Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of everyday goods like groceries and housing. Trump said he would lower, not raise prices, but his tariffs and his hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid and healthcare credits, which families rely on, pinch families’ budgets further.”
“Tonight, Rutinel will focus on his plans to lower costs – including by ending Trump’s reckless tariffs that are hurting families and small businesses, restoring Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding, and ending Trump’s war in Iran that’s raising prices here at home – while holding Evans accountable for failing Colorado families.”
“Investing in community needs – including resources for state and local police and first responders, mental health and addiction treatment, lower health care and housing costs, and improved public education.”
“Investing in community needs – including resources for state and local police and first responders, mental health and addiction treatment, lower health care and housing costs, and improved public education.”
“Healthcare is an essential need. We’re not talking about a luxury. It’s not right that, in particular, our seniors have to make the choice about whether they fill a prescription that a doctor ordered because it will save their life, or pay for food or rent.”
“Protect Consumers from Surprise Fees: I’ll crack down on surprise billing at hospitals. I will fight to protect patients from unexpected medical bills and prohibit insurers from charging out-of-network rates when patients seek care at in-network facilities.”
“SB24-080, to require health insurance carriers to be transparent about their pricing so Coloradans can actually shop for and understand their coverage without surprise fees.”
“Voted to expand insulin access by streamlining availability and establishing strict manufacturing noncompliance rules under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.”
“My mom also showed me the injustice of being forced to choose between paying rent or receiving healthcare. Nobody should be forced to make that choice in the world's richest nation.”
Require judicial warrants for immigration arrests and searches
End racial profiling in immigration stops
Hold ICE and its agents accountable for abuses
Raise training and conduct standards for immigration agents
“Holding the Trump Administration Accountable: In Congress, I will hold Trump and ICE accountable for their actions. Trump's ICE agents should not be wearing masks, taking people in unmarked cars, or stopping people based on their skin color, and they should be wearing body cameras, required to use judicial orders, and held accountable when they break the law. Americans deserve strong standards for all law enforcement.”
Focus immigration enforcement on violent criminals, not law-abiding immigrants
“Comprehensive Immigration Reform and Public Safety: Our immigration system is broken. We need to fix it. We need an immigration enforcement system that improves public safety and national security by focusing on the deportation of violent criminals, gang members, and human traffickers – not our neighbors who contribute to our communities, pay taxes, and pose no threat to our safety.”
“And we should provide a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who have been here the longest and groups like DREAMers, while making sure we protect undocumented workers from exploitation.”
Fix the immigration system through comprehensive reform
Focus immigration enforcement on violent criminals
“Comprehensive Immigration Reform and Public Safety: Our immigration system is broken. We need to fix it. We need an immigration enforcement system that improves public safety and national security by focusing on the deportation of violent criminals, gang members, and human traffickers – not our neighbors who contribute to our communities, pay taxes, and pose no threat to our safety.”
“Stopping the Abuse of Your Tax Dollars: While you struggle with rising costs and can't afford rent, Trump spends billions of taxpayer dollars and other government resources building immigrant prison camps like Alligator Alcatraz, killing American citizens, and violently targeting law-abiding immigrant families. If Trump spent as much time worrying about lowering costs as he does tormenting immigrants, things would be a lot less expensive. I will fight to keep our federal government focused on lowering costs and stop Trump’s corruption and abuse of power.”
“Protecting Our Neighbors from Brutality: As the son of a single immigrant mom, I have always worked to be a champion for immigrants and working people, and I will do the same in Congress.”
“I am the only candidate in this race who has voted to protect Colorado immigrants from ICE brutality as a cosponsor of Colorado SB25-276, which keeps Colorado law enforcement focused on keeping us safe rather than supporting ICE’s cruelty.”
“I’ll support policies that reduce income inequality. A strong middle class is essential for a healthy economy, and I’ll work to create good-paying jobs, raise the federal minimum wage, and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed.”
“I’ll support policies that reduce income inequality. A strong middle class is essential for a healthy economy, and I’ll work to create good-paying jobs, raise the federal minimum wage, and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed.”
“Support Unions: Unions are often the only path towards fair wages amidst rising costs and inflation. Millions of Americans—teachers, nurses, ambulance workers, and other essential service workers—haven’t seen their salaries increase in years. Rising costs have made it more difficult for these hard workers to find stability and prosperity. I support workers taking collective action for fair wages and believe that families deserve economic stability.”
Protect workers' right to organize and bargain collectively
Protect and strengthen labor unions
“Support Unions: Unions are often the only path towards fair wages amidst rising costs and inflation. Millions of Americans—teachers, nurses, ambulance workers, and other essential service workers—haven’t seen their salaries increase in years. Rising costs have made it more difficult for these hard workers to find stability and prosperity. I support workers taking collective action for fair wages and believe that families deserve economic stability.”
“Support Working Parents: I will work to make sure working parents can afford to raise a family and have access to sick days, paid family and medical leave, and affordable child care that will enable millions more people to go to work.”
“Hold AI Companies Accountable: Families deserve strong protections, real accountability, and a fair shot. That's why I support policies that ensure AI companies are not above the law. That includes requiring large AI firms to report critical safety incidents in a timely manner, requiring independent safety reviews before major model releases, implementing protections for whistleblowers, holding AI firms that lie to the government about safety practices or infringe on privacy rights accountable, and requiring notice before AI-driven layoffs at large employers.”
Protect immigrant workers from exploitation and enforce labor laws
“And we should provide a pathway to citizenship for the immigrants who have been here the longest and groups like DREAMers, while making sure we protect undocumented workers from exploitation.”
“In stressing how he will support carpenters and other union members in Colorado, Rutinel highlighted his past work in the state legislature, “when Donald Trump and Gabe Evans started destroying OSHA, we here in Colorado brought a bill called the Colorado Worker Safety Act, so that labor unions, when they are put at risk by their corporate employers, they're able to fight back.””
“End Corruption in Congress: I will fight to ban stock trading by members of Congress and close lobbyist loopholes. I will fight to reverse Citizens United and get dark money out of politics.”
“Stopping the Abuse of Your Tax Dollars: While you struggle with rising costs and can't afford rent, Trump spends billions of taxpayer dollars and other government resources building immigrant prison camps like Alligator Alcatraz, killing American citizens, and violently targeting law-abiding immigrant families. If Trump spent as much time worrying about lowering costs as he does tormenting immigrants, things would be a lot less expensive. I will fight to keep our federal government focused on lowering costs and stop Trump’s corruption and abuse of power.”
“I don't take their money. And in Congress, I'll fight to ban corporate donations to politicians, ban stock trading by Congress and finally pass term limits.”
“In sharp contrast to Gabe Evans, who votes with Trump and his reckless, cost-hiking agenda 100% of the time, Rutinel is running to lower health care, grocery, utility, and housing costs for Coloradans, fight for working families, and end corruption in Washington.”
Require disclosure of political donors and end dark money
Ban corporate PAC donations and corporate election spending
Refuse corporate PAC money for their own campaign
“End Corruption in Congress: I will fight to ban stock trading by members of Congress and close lobbyist loopholes. I will fight to reverse Citizens United and get dark money out of politics.”
“No Corporate PAC Money Pledge: My campaign does not take corporate PAC money because I believe elected officials should answer to the people, not corporate special interests. I believe Democracy only works when it belongs to all of us.”
“I don't take their money. And in Congress, I'll fight to ban corporate donations to politicians, ban stock trading by Congress and finally pass term limits.”
“Stopping the Abuse of Your Tax Dollars: While you struggle with rising costs and can't afford rent, Trump spends billions of taxpayer dollars and other government resources building immigrant prison camps like Alligator Alcatraz, killing American citizens, and violently targeting law-abiding immigrant families. If Trump spent as much time worrying about lowering costs as he does tormenting immigrants, things would be a lot less expensive. I will fight to keep our federal government focused on lowering costs and stop Trump’s corruption and abuse of power.”
“I don't take their money. And in Congress, I'll fight to ban corporate donations to politicians, ban stock trading by Congress and finally pass term limits.”
Other things the site says about government operations and elections (3)
“Increasingly, we have a system that works for large corporations, billionaires, and big donors who buy access and influence, leading to policies that cater to their interests at the expense of everyone else. But we can fix it.”
“Special interests and dark money groups have too much power in our elections, leaving voters frustrated and ignored. We need to give that power back to the people by exploring voting reforms, such as approval voting, that gives power back to the will of working people.”
“Voting Reforms: We need to give power back to working people by strengthening democracy and exploring voting reforms, such as approval voting and term limits.”
Expand access to child care, with more centers, slots and providers
“Support Working Parents: I will work to make sure working parents can afford to raise a family and have access to sick days, paid family and medical leave, and affordable child care that will enable millions more people to go to work.”
Shore up Social Security's finances for the long term
“In Congress, I will fight to protect and strengthen Social Security so every senior can retire with dignity and every worker knows that the promise they paid into will be there for them when they retire.”
“I’ll protect and strengthen Social Security and make the wealthy pay their fair share. I’m committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security and will oppose any attempt to cut Social Security benefits for current or future recipients.”
Expand and strengthen SNAP, WIC and other food assistance
“Protect and Expand Access to Food Security Programs: Four in five Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households include a child, an elderly individual, or a person with a disability. Overall, more than 65% of SNAP participants are in families with children. SNAP is essential to protecting our nation’s most vulnerable.”
Other things the site says about Social Security and welfare (2)
“Social Security is not a handout. It’s a promise that every American pays into so they can retire with dignity. The richest billionaires in the world don’t think you should get to retire after paying into Social Security your entire life, but I do.”
Set binding safety rules for the most powerful AI models
Hold AI companies accountable for the harms they cause
Protect privacy and limit AI surveillance
Protect AI whistleblowers
“Hold AI Companies Accountable: Families deserve strong protections, real accountability, and a fair shot. That's why I support policies that ensure AI companies are not above the law. That includes requiring large AI firms to report critical safety incidents in a timely manner, requiring independent safety reviews before major model releases, implementing protections for whistleblowers, holding AI firms that lie to the government about safety practices or infringe on privacy rights accountable, and requiring notice before AI-driven layoffs at large employers.”
“In Congress, I will fight to:
Create sensible safeguards, including labeling and accountability, to prevent bad actors from misusing AI technology.
Hold fraudsters accountable for cheating Coloradans.”
Other things the site says about science, technology and communications (3)
“Congress needs to make sure artificial intelligence works for people and not the other way around. Giant corporations are putting profits ahead of people, pushing reckless experiments that risk global catastrophe for our family’s health, our kids’ future, and our paychecks. Nobody voted for this.”
“Make AI Work for Coloradans: AI can, of course, deliver real benefits. I will work tirelessly and use my expertise and insights to make sure artificial intelligence works for Coloradans, not just for large corporations and billionaires.”
“Fight Against Junk Fees: I will fight to pass laws that protect consumers from surprise charges at the cash register. I will work to save consumers billions of dollars on unfair hidden fees for airfares, tickets, hotels, and banking, and allow consumers to know the real cost of everything upfront.”
“He then emphasizes his frustration with political corruption and walks voters through his work to lower insulin prices, crack down on grocery price gouging, and building more affordable housing in the Colorado State House.”
Make permits and licenses faster and cheaper to get
“HB25-1295 to streamline small-business permitting so food truck owners can focus on making delicious food, not on jumping through hoops and filling out redundant paperwork.”
“Supported expanding Colorado's Agricultural Future Loan Program, addressed cattle theft, supported the Cottage Foods Act, and led the law cutting red tape for food trucks.”
Other things the site says about business and commerce (1)
“Require Easier Subscription Cancellation: We need to save consumers money by requiring companies to make it easier to cancel a subscription. I will fight for legislation that will require sellers to make it as easy for consumers to cancel their enrollment as it was to sign up.”
“I will reduce the burden on working- and middle-class families by bringing down the costs of everyday things – prescription drugs, health care premiums, and energy bills.”
“Stop Tariffs and Healthcare Cuts That Drive Up Costs: Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of everyday goods like groceries and housing. Trump said he would lower, not raise prices, but his tariffs and his hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid and healthcare credits, which families rely on, pinch families’ budgets further.”
“In sharp contrast to Gabe Evans, who votes with Trump and his reckless, cost-hiking agenda 100% of the time, Rutinel is running to lower health care, grocery, utility, and housing costs for Coloradans, fight for working families, and end corruption in Washington.”
“Tonight, Rutinel will focus on his plans to lower costs – including by ending Trump’s reckless tariffs that are hurting families and small businesses, restoring Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding, and ending Trump’s war in Iran that’s raising prices here at home – while holding Evans accountable for failing Colorado families.”
“Stop Tariffs and Healthcare Cuts That Drive Up Costs: Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of everyday goods like groceries and housing. Trump said he would lower, not raise prices, but his tariffs and his hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid and healthcare credits, which families rely on, pinch families’ budgets further.”
“In sharp contrast to Gabe Evans, who votes with Trump and his reckless, cost-hiking agenda 100% of the time, Rutinel is running to lower health care, grocery, utility, and housing costs for Coloradans, fight for working families, and end corruption in Washington.”
Root out waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending
“Stopping the Abuse of Your Tax Dollars: While you struggle with rising costs and can't afford rent, Trump spends billions of taxpayer dollars and other government resources building immigrant prison camps like Alligator Alcatraz, killing American citizens, and violently targeting law-abiding immigrant families. If Trump spent as much time worrying about lowering costs as he does tormenting immigrants, things would be a lot less expensive. I will fight to keep our federal government focused on lowering costs and stop Trump’s corruption and abuse of power.”
Expand mental health care for veterans and service members
Strengthen veteran suicide prevention and crisis care
“I’ll expand community-based suicide prevention programs for veterans. We’ll step up screenings and partner with local governments and non-profits with the goal of reducing the number of veterans who die by suicide, which is currently averaging 17 per day.”
“I’ll expand cancer treatment coverage for veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs should issue new rules to expand the types of cancers for which veterans exposed to radiation, burn pits, or water contamination can get treatment.”
“SB25-282, to protect veterans from scams by cracking down on scammers who take advantage of them when they’re trying to apply for or appeal VA benefits.”
“I’ll make housing more affordable. Housing is not a luxury; it’s a basic life necessity. Affordable housing should not be treated as just a commodity but rather as a common good that every Coloradan should be able to afford, whether someone works at McDonald’s, Walmart, or anywhere else.”
“Investing in community needs – including resources for state and local police and first responders, mental health and addiction treatment, lower health care and housing costs, and improved public education.”
“In sharp contrast to Gabe Evans, who votes with Trump and his reckless, cost-hiking agenda 100% of the time, Rutinel is running to lower health care, grocery, utility, and housing costs for Coloradans, fight for working families, and end corruption in Washington.”
“Expanded housing families can afford by investing up to $50 million in starter homes for first-time buyers and co-sponsoring a law to build affordable housing near transit.”
“Expanded housing families can afford by investing up to $50 million in starter homes for first-time buyers and co-sponsoring a law to build affordable housing near transit.”
“He then emphasizes his frustration with political corruption and walks voters through his work to lower insulin prices, crack down on grocery price gouging, and building more affordable housing in the Colorado State House.”
“I’ll protect and strengthen Social Security and make the wealthy pay their fair share. I’m committed to protecting and strengthening Social Security and will oppose any attempt to cut Social Security benefits for current or future recipients.”
“End Billionaire Tax Cheating: I want to close the loopholes that allow the very wealthy to avoid paying their taxes. Instead of cutting the number of audits of wealthy taxpayers, I’ll support laws that reduce the deficit by hundreds of billions by cracking down on wealthy tax cheats. That’s being fiscally responsible.”
“Stop Tariffs and Healthcare Cuts That Drive Up Costs: Trump’s tariffs drive up the cost of everyday goods like groceries and housing. Trump said he would lower, not raise prices, but his tariffs and his hundreds of billions in cuts to Medicaid and healthcare credits, which families rely on, pinch families’ budgets further.”
“Tonight, Rutinel will focus on his plans to lower costs – including by ending Trump’s reckless tariffs that are hurting families and small businesses, restoring Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding, and ending Trump’s war in Iran that’s raising prices here at home – while holding Evans accountable for failing Colorado families.”
“Tariffs are the reason why our grocery prices are soaring at the moment, and they are also at the same time kicking the teeth of our farmers and ranchers and putting their livelihoods at risk”
Other things the site says about agriculture and food (1)
“Protected Colorado farmers and ranchers land from foreign adversaries. In 2024, he was the only Democrat on the House State Affairs Committee to vote to advance a bill that would have barred entities tied to governments like China and Russia from buying Colorado farmland, mineral rights, and water rights.”
“Investing in community needs – including resources for state and local police and first responders, mental health and addiction treatment, lower health care and housing costs, and improved public education.”
“Increase Vocational Certificates: We need to increase funding for programs that allow interested high school students to graduate with an industry-recognized credential in addition to their high school diploma. Students should be able to pursue career training while in high school that culminates in a credential demonstrating their readiness for jobs in their chosen skilled trade.”
Deal with Iran through diplomacy rather than military force
“Tonight, Rutinel will focus on his plans to lower costs – including by ending Trump’s reckless tariffs that are hurting families and small businesses, restoring Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding, and ending Trump’s war in Iran that’s raising prices here at home – while holding Evans accountable for failing Colorado families.”
“Look, Iran is the leading sponsor of terror, and they should never have a nuclear weapon. But there’s the saying that when you make diplomacy impossible, you make war inevitable.”
“In Congress, I’ll fight to invest in:
Fully staffed local police departments, new fire stations, improved water systems, better roads, and modernized school buildings.”
Invest in repairing and modernizing roads and bridges
“In Congress, I’ll fight to invest in:
Fully staffed local police departments, new fire stations, improved water systems, better roads, and modernized school buildings.”
Other things the site says about transportation and infrastructure (1)
“Being recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Colorado as a 2026 Legislative Champion for advancing multiple bills to keep Coloradans safe on the roads.”
“In sharp contrast to Gabe Evans, who votes with Trump and his reckless, cost-hiking agenda 100% of the time, Rutinel is running to lower health care, grocery, utility, and housing costs for Coloradans, fight for working families, and end corruption in Washington.”
“I will reduce the burden on working- and middle-class families by bringing down the costs of everyday things – prescription drugs, health care premiums, and energy bills.”
