Democratic socialist Melat Kiros pulled off a major upset in Colorado on Tuesday, defeating nearly 30-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in a Democratic primary that highlights the growing influence of the party’s progressive wing.
Kiros, a 29-year-old lawyer and doctoral student, emerged as the latest progressive challenger to defeat a longtime Democratic incumbent. Her victory comes after similar primary wins by self-described democratic socialists and progressive candidates in New York, reflecting a broader movement among left-leaning voters seeking a shift in party leadership.
Because Colorado’s 1st Congressional District includes the heavily Democratic city of Denver, Kiros is widely expected to win the general election in November and take office in January.
Celebrating her victory before a crowd of supporters, Kiros framed the result as part of a nationwide movement.
“We are winning from coast to coast. We are taking back our party and our country!” she said.
Standing beneath a “Power to the People” sign, Kiros told supporters, “This is a movement. We are just getting started.”
Kiros campaigned on an ambitious progressive agenda, including expanding government-backed health care, abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, confronting President Donald Trump and what she called “the oligarchy,” and pushing for an end to the war in Gaza. She also praised DeGette for her work on women’s rights and thanked Sen. Bernie Sanders for his endorsement.
DeGette, a longtime progressive herself, had held the Denver-area seat since 1997 and entered the race with support from much of Colorado’s Democratic establishment. She argued that her decades of congressional experience were needed to challenge Trump and Republican priorities, while Kiros criticized her as ineffective.
DeGette did not publicly address the results after the race was called Tuesday night.
Kiros’ win was part of a mixed night for progressives in Colorado. Sen. John Hickenlooper defeated a challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales, a self-described progressive who criticized him as too moderate.
In Colorado’s competitive 8th Congressional District, state Rep. Manny Rutinel, a progressive candidate, won the Democratic nomination over former state Rep. Shannon Bird. The district is considered a key battleground, and Rutinel argued his economic message and personal background would help him compete against Republican Rep. Gabe Evans.
Progressives also gained momentum in the governor’s race, where state Attorney General Phil Weiser won the Democratic nomination. Weiser, a former Obama and Clinton administration official, has positioned himself as a strong opponent of Trump’s agenda.
Kiros’ victory now puts her at the center of a growing debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party, as progressive candidates continue challenging longtime incumbents across the country.
