Democratic socialist defeats longtime House incumbent in Colorado primary

Democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st Congressional District primary on June 30, 2026. The victory marks another win for progressive challengers following similar outcomes in New York the previous week.

Primary results and reactions Kiros addressed supporters at an election night watch party in Denver, stating the win belonged to the broader movement. "We are winning from coast to coast," Kiros said. " She outlined priorities including abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, passing Medicare for all, and ending the conflict in Palestine.

Kiros thanked DeGette for her work on women's rights and noted an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders. DeGette did not speak or release a statement after the race was called.

Other Colorado races Sen.

John Hickenlooper defeated a primary challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales. Gonzales had described herself as an insurgent progressive and criticized Hickenlooper as an incrementalist. In the state's 8th Congressional District, state Rep. Manny Rutinel defeated former state Rep.

Shannon Bird. Rutinel argued his personal background and economic agenda would strengthen the challenge against the Republican incumbent.

Attorney general primary State Attorney General Phil Weiser won the Democratic primary for governor. Weiser, who previously served in the presidential administrations of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, will face the Republican nominee in November. After his victory, Weiser told supporters the result showed voters wanted a leader who would fight back.

Former Sen. Michael Bennet, whom Weiser defeated, told his supporters that sometimes the harder path is the right path.