Democratic Primary Voters in Colorado Back More Progressive Candidates

Democratic primary voters in Colorado selected two candidates who favor more progressive policies over sitting officeholders on Tuesday. One defeated a longtime member of Congress; the other defeated a sitting senator seeking the governorship. The victories follow last week’s results in New York, where primary voters also chose candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America in heavily Democratic districts.

Those outcomes have intensified debate inside the party about strategy and messaging.

District, a 29-year-old Democratic Socialists of America member defeated the incumbent representative. The challenger had previously drawn attention for statements on the Israel-Gaza conflict that differed from the incumbent’s positions. The incumbent representative, who had served multiple terms and supported abortion rights and environmental measures, conceded the race and issued a video statement on Wednesday.

She described herself as a legislator willing to work across party lines. In the Democratic primary for governor, the state attorney general defeated the sitting senator. The attorney general pledged stronger opposition to federal policies under President Trump.

Left-leaning groups said the Colorado results show voter support for candidates who confront corporations and challenge U.S. policy toward Israel. ” A center-left policy institute president countered that the wins reflect an anti-incumbent mood rather than broad ideological change.

He cited polling showing many Americans view the Democratic Party as too liberal. President Trump addressed the trend on Monday and Wednesday. He told reporters that candidates using the term “social democrat” are advancing communism, and he repeated the point in North Dakota.

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the Democratic Party has shifted since the 1960s and now aligns with figures who openly identify as socialists. The Democratic Socialists of America member elected in Colorado’s First District previously lost employment after posting statements in November 2023 that described Palestinian actions as resistance to colonialism and accused Israel of weaponizing antisemitism.