Brandishing receipts for gas, groceries, and other everyday expenses, protesters gathered in front of U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans’ office in Northglenn today, explaining that they deployed their evidence of rising prices to stop Evans from continuing to support policies that fuel inflation.
“I used to budget $50 for spending on gas, and that’s kind of expensive, and now it costs me $80 to fill my gas,” Jazzel Gardea Pinera, a recent college graduate and a “proud child” of immigrants, told fellow demonstrators. “That is money I can’t spend on groceries, bread, books, education. The cost of housing has become unaffordable for young people like me.”
“Let’s make sure that Gabe Evans doesn’t cut our services and keep funding tax cuts for billionaires and war,” concluded Pinera, who lives in Evans’ district.
Dr. Dan Richlie, another speaker at the rally, which drew about 50 people, pointed to Evans’ votes to cut Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act — as well as his support of the war in Iran — as driving up prices.
“For years, health care has been becoming less and less affordable, but lately, politicians like our Congressman Gabe Evans are making it even worse, and the receipts are in his votes,” Richlie said through a bullhorn, eliciting boos from the crowd after mentioning Evans’ name.
“The massive cuts Congressman Gabe Evans voted for will take health care away from many of our neighbors, including veterans,” continued Richlie, pointing to Evans’ votes for Medicaid cuts. “That means when a health issue comes up, those patients might have to make some really tough choices: pay the mortgage or pay for health care, go to the doctor or put food on the table.”
Thornton City Council Member Justin Maritnez told the group that he and his constituents are “feeling a massive squeeze right now.”
“We’re all feeling it right here in our community,” said Martinez. “… Our families are drowning in these monthly rate increases, and you can see from this board right here behind me that we have the receipts to prove it.
“But right when Coloradans need a lifeline to fight inflation, federal policies that Congress made and Evans supports, like HR one, have pulled the ladder away.”
The rally was sponsored by Indivisible CD8 Friday Group, Mi Familia En Accion, ProgressNow Colorado, and Servicios Sigue.
Consumer prices rose in April at the fastest rate since May 2023, driven by increases in energy costs resulting from the war in Iran, according to Labor Department data. And just yesterday, the Commerce Department announced that the “core” inflation rate in the United States — a measure that strips out more volatile energy and food prices — rose in April at the fastest rate since 2023, prompting officials at the central bank to consider raising interest rates.
Despite the Iran war’s impact on gas prices, Evans has steadfastly supported the U.S. and Israeli attack, telling Colorado Public Radio earlier this month, “It had to happen now.” Evand added in the same interview that gas prices would be even higher if not for past Republican energy policies.
Evans office did not return an email asking if his position on the Iran war had changed — and if he wanted to comment on the protesters’ accusation that he is responsible for high prices due to his support for the war, Trump’s tariff policy, and cuts to health care programs like the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid.
No one answered a knock on the door at Evans’ office across the street from today’s protest.
Evans will likely face either former state Rep. Shannon Bird (D-Westminster) or state Rep. Manny Rutinel (D-Commerce City) in November’s election. His district, located north of Denver, is widely considered to be key in the battle over which party controls the U.S. House next year. In 2024, Evans defeated Caraveo by fewer than 2,500 votes, one of the slimmest margins in the country.
Update 6/3/26: The names of the groups sponsoring the rally were added.
