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ScheerPost Newswire
A major upset in Colorado’s Democratic primary is adding to a growing string of victories for progressive candidates across the country.
Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old attorney and doctoral student, defeated longtime Democratic Representative Diana DeGette, ending the nearly three-decade congressional career of one of Colorado’s best-known Democrats. With Colorado’s 1st Congressional District considered safely Democratic, Kiros is now heavily favored to win the general election and head to Washington in January.
Her victory follows a series of recent wins by progressive and democratic socialist candidates in other Democratic primaries, fueling debate over the future direction of the party ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Speaking to supporters after the race was called, Kiros described the result as part of a broader movement rather than an isolated campaign victory. She argued that Democratic voters are demanding more aggressive action on economic inequality, healthcare, immigration, and U.S. foreign policy.
Among the priorities Kiros highlighted were Medicare for All, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confronting what she called an “oligarchy,” and ending U.S. support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which she has repeatedly described as genocide.
Kiros also thanked Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, whose endorsement helped elevate her campaign nationally, while acknowledging DeGette’s long record defending abortion rights.
Israel and their genocide emerged as a central issue in the race.
Kiros, a 29-year-old former lawyer, was fired after refusing to take down a social media post criticizing major law firms for their positions on Israel and Palestine. Throughout her campaign, she has been outspoken in describing Israel’s assault on Gaza as a genocide and has sharply criticized Democratic Party leaders for continuing to support Israel during the war.
A Challenge to the Democratic Establishment
DeGette, first elected to Congress in 1996, entered the race with the backing of Colorado’s Democratic establishment and decades of legislative experience. Her campaign argued that experienced lawmakers were needed to counter the Trump administration and defend Democratic priorities in Congress.
Kiros, however, centered her campaign on the argument that experience alone was no longer enough. She contended that Democratic leadership has failed to respond adequately to widening economic inequality, housing costs, healthcare access, and the war in Gaza.
The result reflects a growing divide inside the Democratic Party between its institutional leadership and activists pushing for more sweeping progressive reforms.
Progressive Wins Extend Beyond Denver
Colorado’s primary also produced another notable victory for the party’s progressive wing.
State Representative Manny Rutinel won the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s competitive 8th Congressional District after defeating former state Representative Shannon Bird. Rutinel campaigned on immigration reform and economic populism while emphasizing his personal story growing up in a working-class Latino family.
Unlike Kiros’ safely Democratic district, Rutinel now faces a competitive general election against Republican Congressman Gabe Evans in one of the country’s most closely watched House races.
Governor’s Race Moves Forward
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser secured the Democratic nomination for governor, defeating U.S. Senator Michael Bennet.
Throughout the campaign, both candidates emphasized their ability to challenge President Donald Trump’s administration, with Weiser pointing to his legal battles against federal funding freezes and executive actions, including litigation surrounding birthright citizenship.
With Colorado continuing to lean Democratic statewide, Weiser enters the general election as the favorite to succeed term-limited Governor Jared Polis.
A National Trend
Colorado’s results come amid broader signs that progressive candidates are gaining traction in Democratic primaries. Similar victories in New York and other states have strengthened the party’s left flank while raising new questions about how Democratic leadership will respond to an increasingly energized grassroots base.
Whether these primary victories ultimately translate into greater influence in Congress remains to be seen. But Tuesday’s results suggest that debates over healthcare, economic inequality, immigration, corporate influence, and U.S. foreign policy will continue to shape the Democratic Party well beyond the 2026 election cycle.
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