Manny Rutinel, a former McDonald’s employee, is campaigning for a seat in Colorado’s House District 22 as a Democrat, emphasizing affordability as a central issue in the race.

The campaign gained attention after former President Donald Trump visited a closed McDonald’s in Pennsylvania during his 2024 presidential bid, using the episode to question Vice President Kamala Harris’s claimed work history, while Republicans have linked current inflation pressures to the administration’s policies.

Rutinel said his background in low‑wage service work gives him insight into the cost‑of‑living challenges facing constituents and he has pledged to support legislation that would lower food prices and expand housing assistance. He faces Republican nominee Lauren Breeden, who argues that his lack of elected experience and reliance on a fast‑food résumé make him unqualified for legislative duties. Voters in the district, which includes suburban areas of Denver and surrounding communities, have expressed mixed views on the relevance of his former job, with some saying it highlights everyday economic struggles while others consider it unrelated to legislative experience. Analysts note that the race reflects broader national conversations about inflation, wage growth, and the political significance of service‑industry workers in upcoming midterm contests.

The contest is expected to be competitive, with both parties allocating resources as inflation remains a salient issue for voters across the state.