In a seismic shift for Colorado politics, Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) has lost her bid for reelection to Melat Kiros, a former attorney and PhD student backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Decision Desk HQ projects Kiros will win the primary for the Denver-based congressional seat, making her the third democratic socialist to unseat a House incumbent this cycle.
Kiros, 29, a barista and renter studying at the University of Denver, campaigned on a platform of rejecting corporate PAC money and understanding the struggles of everyday Denverites. Her victory deals a significant blow to the Democratic establishment, even though DeGette was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. University of Colorado Regent Wanda James also ran in the primary.
This win follows closely on the heels of New York primary upsets last week, where DSA-backed candidates Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated incumbents in New York City. The pattern suggests Democratic voters are increasingly willing to oust even progressive incumbents, frustrated with the status quo.
DeGette, who has served in Congress since 1997, argued her experience was vital, noting she is the top Democrat on the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health and would chair it if Democrats retake the House. But Kiros countered that voters wanted a fresh voice, not a career politician.
Israel policy emerged as a key fault line. Kiros was fired from her law firm in November 2023 after writing a Substack letter arguing that calling for elimination of the state of Israel or criticizing its government is not inherently antisemitic. She has also faced criticism for declining to label a 2025 Boulder firebombing that injured protesters calling for the release of Israeli hostages as antisemitic, saying, “I don’t know what was in the heart of the perpetrator.”
DeGette opposed most arms sales to Israel except defensive weapons, while Kiros supports a complete ban on weapons sales to the country. The issue has become a flashpoint in primaries nationwide.
DeGette had endorsements from Democratic Reps. Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen. Kiros secured backing from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the DSA, and Justice Democrats. With the seat reliably blue, Kiros is expected to win the general election in November.
The Democratic Socialists' success in primary upsets is reshaping the political landscape. While a win for the left, it could pose challenges for vulnerable House Democrats, as Republicans seek to tie battleground candidates to more progressive members.
