Democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, marking a significant victory for the progressive wing of the party. With 84% of the vote counted, Kiros led with 49.3% to DeGette’s 43.5%, while University of Colorado Regent Wanda James received 7.2%. DeGette has not yet conceded the race.
Kiros, a 29-year-old Ethiopian immigrant and lawyer, was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Justice Democrats. She campaigned on policies such as universal healthcare, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and ending U.S. military aid to Israel. Kiros also refused corporate PAC money and criticized DeGette’s history of accepting donations from defense contractors and pharmaceutical companies.
DeGette, 68, emphasized her progressive record on healthcare and climate policy during her campaign. She has served in Congress since 1997, the same year Kiros was born. The race is part of a broader trend of socialist and progressive candidates challenging longtime Democratic incumbents across the country.
Kiros is heavily favored to win the general election in November in the solidly Democratic district. If elected, she would become the first Gen Z woman in Congress and join the ranks of the progressive 'Squad.'