40 Facts About Gabe Evans

Early Life and Family

Gabe Evans' roots run deep in Colorado, and his family history has played a significant role in shaping his values and perspectives.

1. Gabe Evans is a Colorado native, born to a family with Mexican-American roots. His grandparents emigrated from Mexico, and he grew up in Aurora and Elbert County.
2. Evans and his wife own and operate a family farm in southern Weld County. This experience has given him a deep understanding of rural issues and the challenges faced by farmers.
3. As a parent of two boys, Evans is heavily involved in homeschooling and educational choice. He believes in providing families with options to ensure their children receive the best education possible.

Military and Law Enforcement Career

Evans' service in the military and law enforcement has profoundly influenced his approach to public service and policy-making.

4. Evans spent twelve years serving his country in the US Army and the Colorado Army National Guard.
5. He served as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot and company commander, completing a combat deployment to the Middle East.
6. After his military service, Evans worked as an Arvada police officer for over ten years. This experience gave him a deep understanding of community issues and the need for effective law enforcement.
7. During his military service, Evans completed a combat deployment to the Middle East. This experience has given him a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the importance of supporting veterans.
8. In addition to his combat deployment, Evans has also responded to wildfires and search and rescues throughout Colorado. This experience has prepared him for the types of emergencies that can affect the district.

Political Career and Philosophy

Evans' political career is marked by his ability to build consensus and find common ground, even in challenging environments.

9. In 2022, Evans was elected to the Colorado State House, representing portions of Adams and Weld counties.
10. Evans has been a conservative state representative, known for his ability to pass legislation despite being in a super minority.
11. Evans' approach to governance is centered on finding common ground and solving problems collaboratively.
12. Despite being in a super minority, Evans has been able to pass almost 60% of his bills in the state legislature. This success is attributed to his ability to find common ground and build consensus.
13. Evans follows a three-pronged test: his faith guides him, he follows the Constitution based on 22 years of experience, and he listens to the folks in his district.

Campaign and Endorsements

Evans' campaign for the 8th Congressional District seat has garnered significant attention and support from various quarters.

14. Evans has received significant endorsements, including from former President Donald Trump and a dozen members of Congress.
15. He also has the support of influential anti-Trump conservatives like Americans for Prosperity.
16. In the June 2024 primary, Evans won with 77.5% of the vote, defeating Janak Joshi.
17. Evans' campaign focuses on conservative values such as cutting taxes and regulations.
18. Evans has received endorsements from two-thirds of the mayors in the district, including Mayor Kulmann of Thornton.
19. The Libertarian Party candidate in the race initially endorsed Evans, recognizing his ability to bring people together and find common ground.
20. Evans has received an endorsement from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who sees him as uniquely qualified to defeat far-left Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo in 2024.

Key Issues and Policies

Evans' stance on various issues reflects his conservative values and his commitment to addressing the concerns of his constituents.

21. Both Evans and Caraveo have promised to get tough on illegal border crossings, but they differ on how to enforce immigration laws.
22. Evans describes himself as pro-life but has stated he would not vote for a national abortion ban.
23. Evans has criticized Caraveo for her vote to defelonize fentanyl, running ads that criticize this decision.
24. Evans expressed skepticism about tariffs as a solution to high prices, advocating for a more nuanced approach to international trade.
25. Evans has proposed cutting taxes and regulations to address economic issues and improve the quality of life in Colorado.

Community Involvement and Personal Interests

Evans' involvement in his community and personal interests reflect his commitment to serving and protecting his constituents.

26. Evans is heavily involved in his community, particularly in rural areas.
27. In his free time, Evans teaches concealed carry classes in the 8th Congressional District.
28. Evans' ability to build consensus has been a key factor in his legislative success.
29. Evans' military background has given him a unique perspective on national security and foreign policy issues.
30. His time as a police officer has provided Evans with firsthand knowledge of the consequences of soft-on-crime policies.

Campaign Events and Media Coverage

The race for the 8th Congressional District seat has seen significant media coverage and high-profile campaign events.

31. The race has seen significant spending by super PACs, with nearly $29 million spent on the contest.
32. In a CBS News Colorado debate, Evans and Caraveo discussed cost of living issues.
33. The 8th Congressional District race is seen as one of the most critical races in the country.
34. The campaign has seen numerous high-profile events, including visits from big-name politicos like Speaker Mike Johnson and U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse.
35. The election night watch parties for both candidates were closely monitored, with Evans expressing optimism about his chances despite the slim margin.
36. The Associated Press estimated that about 67% of votes had been counted by election night, with Caraveo leading Evans by less than 2 percentage points.
37. The remaining votes were largely in Weld County, a conservative stronghold.
38. The Congressional Leadership Fund spent nearly $6.7 million to support Evans.
39. The House Majority PAC spent $6 million to support Caraveo.
40. The race has drawn big-name politicos into the district to campaign on behalf of both candidates.

Gabe Evans: A Multifaceted Leader

Gabe Evans stands out as a dynamic figure in Colorado politics. With roots in Aurora and Elbert County, his journey from a military helicopter pilot to a state representative showcases his dedication to service. His time in the US Army and Colorado Army National Guard, coupled with over a decade as an Arvada police officer, has shaped his pragmatic approach to governance. Evans' campaign for the 8th Congressional District emphasizes conservative values, community involvement, and a commitment to solving problems collaboratively. His nuanced stances on immigration and abortion, along with his focus on economic issues, highlight his ability to address complex challenges. Endorsements from prominent figures and significant campaign support underscore his influence. As the race against incumbent Rep. Yadira Caraveo heats up, Evans' diverse background and legislative success make him a formidable candidate with a clear vision for Colorado's future.