Kiros Upsets DeGette in Colorado’s Democratic Primary

Challenger Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, is the projected winner of the Democratic primary in Colorado’s First Congressional District. This significant victory means the district, encompassing Denver, will see a new representative other than Rep. Diana DeGette for the first time since the mid-1990s.

Melat Kiros, 29, participated in a League of Women Voters Congressional District 1 candidate forum at Montview Presbyterian Church on May 28, 2026, in Denver. Despite never running for political office before, she managed to capture 49.3% of the vote by 10 p.m. MT. Incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette garnered 43.5%, while University of Colorado Regent Wanda James secured 7.2%.

During the election cycle, Kiros expressed her motivations for running to CBS Colorado. She cited polling data suggesting Denver residents are more supportive of socialism than capitalism. A September 2025 survey by the Colorado Polling Institute indicated 52% of respondents favored socialism, while 48% favored capitalism. Additionally, 39% viewed socialism unfavorably compared to 47% disfavoring capitalism.

“I think it’s because we’re seeing that the way we’ve organized our government is really only giving returns to the rich and the powerful because they’re the ones with the means to influence it in the way that they want to see it, whereas working people do not,” Kiros said.

Kiros’s campaign highlighted her endorsements from the Democratic Socialists of America and Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont. Her success in the primary aligns with earlier signals from the Democratic assemblies. During the Denver Democratic Assembly in March, she secured 63% of the delegate votes against DeGette’s 32%.

Mike Dino, a seasoned Colorado Democratic strategist, remarked on DeGette’s unexpected performance. Despite her name recognition and congressional seniority, Dino noted, “I was surprised that the congresswoman almost missed getting on the ballot and didn’t have, necessarily, a backup plan with signatures.” Without the necessary delegate votes, candidates rely on voter signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Rep. Diana DeGette, the longest-serving member of Colorado’s congressional delegation, has served on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She has faced primary challenges only five times in her 15 elections. This year, she confronted a well-organized campaign from Kiros.

Melat Kiros will advance to the general election on Nov. 3, where she will face Republican Christy Peterson, who ran unopposed in the primary.