FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2026
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CO-08 Poll: Shannon Bird Leads Close Primary Field
Data Shows Bird’s Opponent’s Record is Disqualifying for Primary Voters
Westminster, Colorado – A new poll from Normington Petts of 400 likely Democratic primary voters in Colorado’s Eighth Congressional District, conducted between April 20-22, shows that Shannon Bird has taken a narrow lead, and built real momentum in this race since February. Read the full polling memo here.
Bird leads the initial ballot with 25% of the vote, followed by Rutinel at 24% and Munsing at 6%. This race is still very much in play, with nearly half (45%) undecided. Since February, Bird grew from 19% to 25% while Rutinel moved only modestly from 20% to 24%. The undecided pool dropped from 57% to 45%, and Bird captured the lion’s share of voters making up their minds.
Importantly, Rutinel’s record is deeply problematic for this electorate. When voters learn about his record of voting for massive budget cuts to health care, to protect child predators, and that he took thousands in campaign contributions from questionable donors, Democratic primary voters say they are much less likely to support him. These numbers hold across ideology, geography, and all demographic subgroups. Not only is his record a liability in the primary, but it makes Rutinel a uniquely weak general election candidate – which is why National Republicans keep citing him as their preferred candidate.
About Shannon Bird
Shannon was raised by a single mom and her grandmother, who dealt blackjack and used her tips to help Shannon get through college. They taught her how to work hard, give back and fight for what’s right.
With a passion for improving education for every student, Shannon started in public service by volunteering in her kids’ classrooms and co-founded an organization that empowers students, parents, teachers, and communities to create more equitable local schools. She led a bond measure campaign for the Adams 12 district in 2014 to fix and improve local schools, leading to her serving on the Westminster City Council and then in the Colorado State House, where she served for three years on the Joint Budget Committee.
Prior to serving in public office, Shannon worked in the private sector, practicing law in the fields of public and commercial finance, helping to get large community projects like roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals off the ground.
Shannon is committed to showing up for the people of Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, and working together to deliver real results for hardworking Coloradans and families – because that’s what she’s always done.
Her campaign has earned the endorsement of over 190 leaders in the district and across Colorado, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Association, Plumbers Local Union 3, ATU & ATU Local 1001, Heat & Frost Insulators Local 28, NALC Branch 642, SMART Locals 9 and 202, Pipefitters Local 208, Machinists Local 47, Laborers Local 720, IUEC Local 25, Farmers Union Rural PAC, Colorado Corn Growers Association, Elect Democratic Women, EMILYs List, Welcome PAC, The Bench, NewDem Action Fund, and Blue Dog PAC.
For more, visit ShannonBird.com and follow her on X, Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.
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