Another major victory for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing is raising new questions about the party’s future.
Colorado voters delivered a surprising upset Tuesday when socialist-backed candidate Melat Kiros defeated longtime Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette in the party’s primary for the state’s 1st Congressional District. The result marks another setback for establishment Democrats and continues a growing trend of progressive candidates defeating veteran lawmakers in safely Democratic districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
With nearly all votes counted, Kiros earned approximately 49.3% of the vote, while DeGette received about 43.5%, ending the congresswoman’s nearly three-decade tenure representing the Denver area.
Key Takeaways
- Socialist-backed candidate Melat Kiros defeated longtime Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s Democratic primary.
- The victory is another win for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
- Kiros is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and supports several high-profile progressive policies.
- Colorado’s 1st Congressional District is considered safely Democratic, making Kiros the favorite to win in November.
Socialist Candidate Defeats Longtime Democrat
Kiros’ victory is the latest sign that progressive candidates continue gaining influence inside the Democratic Party.
The upset follows several high-profile primary victories by progressive and socialist-backed candidates in New York earlier this year, adding to growing momentum among the party’s left wing.
Political analysts say these victories could reshape the House Democratic caucus after the midterm elections, with more progressive lawmakers expected to arrive in Washington.
Because Colorado’s 1st Congressional District strongly favors Democrats, Kiros is widely expected to win the general election this fall.
Veteran Lawmaker Couldn’t Hold Off Challenger
DeGette first won election to Congress in 1996 and began serving in the House in 1997. At 68 years old, she has represented the Denver area longer than her 29-year-old challenger has been alive.
During a candidate forum before Election Day, DeGette urged Democratic voters to choose experience over political change.
“Now is not the time to gamble and send somebody with no experience to Washington,” she said.
She argued that her seniority and experience would make her better equipped to challenge President Donald Trump and help advance Democratic priorities if the party regains control of the House.
Establishment Support Wasn’t Enough
Despite widespread support from Democratic leaders and major organizations, DeGette could not overcome growing enthusiasm for her challenger.
DeGette entered the race with endorsements from Colorado’s Democratic members of Congress, the House Progressive Caucus, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and multiple influential labor unions.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged before the election that the race had become increasingly competitive.
Jeffries said DeGette was making a strong case for another term but noted that Democratic primaries across the country have become increasingly unpredictable.
He also suggested that President Trump’s return to the White House has contributed to an unsettled political climate that has created difficult races for incumbent Democrats, even in districts that traditionally favor the party.
Kiros Campaigned Against Democratic Leadership
Throughout her campaign, Kiros argued that Democratic leaders have failed to deliver meaningful results for working Americans.
The Ethiopia-born former attorney and current Ph.D. student received support from independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, one of the nation’s most prominent democratic socialists.
During a campaign forum, Kiros said Democrats have reached historically low approval ratings because voters believe the party has not done enough to improve everyday life for working families.
She argued that Democrats need elected officials who are willing to challenge powerful corporations and wealthy political interests rather than maintaining the status quo.
Progressive Platform Draws National Attention
Kiros built her campaign around several progressive policy proposals that have become increasingly popular among the Democratic Party’s left wing.
Her top priorities include:
- Medicare for All
- Housing First initiatives
- Universal child care
- Abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Public financing of federal elections
Supporters say those proposals represent bold reforms, while critics argue they would significantly expand the role of the federal government.
Previous Statements Continue To Draw Criticism
Kiros has also faced scrutiny over past comments involving Israel and the Middle East.
In an interview following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, Kiros said the assault was an “inevitable consequence” of Israel’s policies.
She also signed an open letter arguing that calls for eliminating Israel should not automatically be labeled antisemitic. The controversy ultimately led to her dismissal from the New York office of the law firm Sidley Austin.
More recently, Kiros received criticism after declining to characterize the June 2025 firebombing of a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, as an antisemitic attack.
She has also called for ending U.S. military aid to Israel.
Democratic Party Continues Moving Left
Kiros is expected to join a growing number of progressive lawmakers entering Congress after several socialist-backed candidates scored primary victories across the country this year.
The recent election results have intensified debate over the Democratic Party’s direction, as younger progressive candidates continue defeating long-serving incumbents backed by party leadership.
Republicans are expected to highlight these races during the midterm campaign, arguing that the Democratic Party is increasingly embracing policies that appeal to its progressive base.
Colorado Senate Race Produced Different Result
While progressives celebrated Kiros’ victory in the House primary, they were unable to score another win in Colorado’s Senate contest.
Incumbent Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper defeated state Sen. Julie Gonzales, a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America, securing his party’s nomination for another term.
What This Means Going Forward
Kiros’ victory represents another significant shift inside the Democratic Party as progressive candidates continue challenging establishment lawmakers in primary elections across the country.
With Colorado’s 1st Congressional District expected to remain safely Democratic, Kiros is now heavily favored to become the district’s next representative in Congress.
Her election would add another progressive voice to the House Democratic caucus and provide further evidence that the party’s ideological center continues moving left heading into the 2026 midterm elections.