Ex-House Dem drops out of race for old seat citing 'very strong resistance' to candidacy

Former Rep. Yardira Caraveo (D-CO) is withdrawing from the race for her old seat, she announced Friday.

Caraveo made the announcement and thanked her supporters in a statement, according to reports.

“Unfortunately, I faced very strong resistance to my candidacy this cycle due almost entirely to the stigmatization of mental health in America,” she wrote. “I hope that one day we will see more acceptance and understanding of illnesses like depression, and that leaders at all levels will be able to support those in need in actions and not just words.”

The former congresswoman had been vocal about struggling with mental health, Colorado Public Radio reports. She reportedly visited the emergency room twice before seeking help at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. She apparently did not disclose this information at the time.

Caraveo was running for the 8th Congressional District, an area stretching from the northern Denver suburbs to Greeley in Weld County. This area is considered a toss-up in the upcoming midterm elections and has attracted an immense amount of campaign money, including national political consideration ahead of the elections, CPR reports.