Trump-backed Gabe Evans wins GOP nomination in Colorado's 8th Congressional District

Republican Gabe Evans defeated Janak Joshi on Tuesday evening, securing the party's nomination in the highly-competitive 8th Congressional District.

Zoom in: The Associated Press called the race 23 minutes after polls closed at 7pm.

Why it matters: The seat is highly sought-after by both parties, who see the suburban district as crucial for securing a party majority in Congress.

• The fairly new district stretches from the suburbs north of Denver toward Greeley, the state's 9th largest city.

State of play: Evans will face U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a freshman Democrat who won by just over 1,600 votes against her Republican opponent in 2022. She ran unopposed in this year's primary.

Context: Evans, a state lawmaker and former police officer, and Joshi, a former state lawmaker and retired doctor, both back former President Trump. Both candidates are framing themselves as conservatives.

• Evans, however, secured Trump's endorsement in the primary. His major goals in Congress include lowering crime and drug use, reducing inflation and securing the U.S.-Mexico border.