The race for Colorado’s newly drawn Eighth Congressional District, a seat that could decide control of the House in 2024, has taken a new turn. While Democratic nominee Manny Rutinel has positioned himself as a champion of local ranching and oil interests, opponents are drawing attention to his family’s long‑standing involvement in socialist politics in the Dominican Republic.
Family background and political pedigree
Manny Rutinel, who built his campaign narrative around being raised by a single mother, is the son of César Santiago Rutinel Domínguez – known locally as “Tonty”. Tonty has spent decades in Caribbean left‑wing politics, serving in both chambers of the Dominican Republic’s legislature and holding leadership roles in the Domestic Revolutionary Party (PRD) and the Modern Revolutionary Party, both affiliated with the Socialist International. During a 2010 mayoral campaign he pledged to lead a “socialist” government and to expand taxpayer‑funded services.
The senior Rutinel’s political network extends beyond his own career. His cousin, Hipólito Mejía, was president of the Dominican Republic from 2000 to 2004, and his mother, Francisca Otilia Domínguez, took part in the 1965 revolution alongside Marxist‑Leninist leaders.
Early activism and arrests
Both father and son have histories of protest‑related arrests. Tonty was imprisoned at the age of fifteen for “defending leftist positions”. Manny Rutinel was detained in 2019 after taking part in a climate protest that disrupted the Yale‑Harvard football game.
In 2013‑2014 the younger Rutinel authored blog posts titled “What Would Jesus Do? Socialism” and “Why a More Socialistic Society Is Superior”, signalling an early alignment with socialist ideas.
Shift in public image
Since those early years, both men have sought to distance themselves from their activist pasts. Tonty remains active in Dominican politics, while Manny Rutinel now backs Colorado’s ranching and oil sectors, even stating he abandoned veganism to “enjoy the delicious products that Colorado ranchers make”. He defeated a more progressive primary opponent and has re‑branded himself as a pro‑industry candidate.
Allegations against the father
Public records show Tonty has faced repeated allegations of violence. He was arrested for domestic abuse in 2011 and, in 2005, allegedly threatened a legislative colleague with a gun.
Campaign silence and Republican attacks
Rutin’s campaign has not addressed questions about his family’s political history or the circumstances of his parents’ separation. A spokesperson said, "Manny has rarely seen or spoken to his father," and added, "He was raised by his single mother, and she's the person who made him who he is today." Republicans have seized on the socialist blog posts and the senior Rutinel’s left‑wing pedigree as ammunition in a race that could swing the balance of power in Washington.
The newly drawn district has flipped parties in each of its two previous elections, making it a focal point for both national parties as the 2024 contest approaches.