Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young Friday dropped his bid for Colorado’s highly competitive 8th Congressional District seat.

The Greeley Democrat said while he has been capable of managing his role as treasurer as he campaigns, a family member’s “serious health situation” led him to withdraw from the race.

“My family must come first, and stepping back from this race to care for my family, as well as continuing to fulfill my duties as State Treasurer, is the responsible choice,” Young said in a statement.

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Young, a former state representative from Greeley, has served as Colorado treasurer since 2019. One of four statewide executive offices elected by voters, the treasurer oversees the management, investment and disbursement of state funds, along with a handful of savings and loan programs and the state’s Division of Unclaimed Property.

He is one of several Democrats who sought to unseat U.S. Representative Gabe Evans, a Fort Lupton Republican in his first term representing the state’s newest and most competitive district. The 8th District includes the northern Denver suburbs and extends into Greeley and was drawn by an independent redistricting commission.

“Although this campaign is ending, my dedication to the people of our state is unwavering and our work continues,” Young said. “I will keep working every day as your Treasurer to deliver results, safeguard our financial future, and uphold the values that define Colorado.”

Evans unseated former Democratic U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo, who was the first person to represent the district. Caraveo dropped her bid to reclaim the congressional seat, as did former teachers union president Amie Baca-Oehlert. Democrats still in the race include Colorado state Representative Manny Rutinel of Commerce City, state Representative Shannon Bird of Westminster and Marine veteran Evan Munsing. The Democratic primary election in June will determine which candidate will face Evans in November.

In a statement, Bird said Young “has dedicated his life to service” and she knows he “will finish out his last year as Treasurer with the same determination to make life better for the next generation of Coloradans that has driven his life’s work.”