Rep. Diana DeGette, a 30-year incumbent from Colorado, was defeated by Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old candidate backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), in a Democratic primary held on Tuesday evening. Kiros's victory is seen as significant for the socialist left, particularly following recent successes of socialist candidates in New York City. If elected in November, Kiros would join a small group of outspoken socialists in the House of Representatives.
Kiros, a PhD student and lawyer originally from Ethiopia, received endorsements from notable figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The campaign highlighted differences between Kiros and DeGette, particularly regarding their positions on Israel and campaign financing. Kiros criticized DeGette for accepting corporate PAC contributions, while DeGette emphasized her seniority and experience in Congress.
The primary also featured University of Colorado Regent Wanda James, who was running for the same seat but did not pose a significant threat to Kiros. Colorado's 1st Congressional District is known for its liberal voting patterns, having supported Kamala Harris by a significant margin in the 2024 election.