Denver Democratic Primary Tests Incumbent Against Socialist-Backed Challenger

Voters in Colorado's 1st Congressional District will head to the polls Tuesday to decide the Democratic primary between a 15-term incumbent and two challengers. The incumbent has represented the Denver-based district since 1997 and supports Medicare for All along with ending Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

She has received endorsements from major labor groups and holds a fundraising advantage backed by outside PACs that have spent more than $1 million in recent weeks. Her main opponent is a 29-year-old former attorney endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders who aligns with the Democratic Socialists of America.

The challenger immigrated to the Denver area from Ethiopia as a child and has worked as a barista while pursuing a graduate degree in public policy.

A poll conducted for Justice Democrats showed the challenger ahead by 5 percentage points, though within the margin of error. A third candidate, a cannabis entrepreneur and University of Colorado regent, is also on the ballot.

The incumbent supports ending most U.S. military assistance to Israel except for defensive systems. The challenger has questioned Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state and was fired from a New York law firm after a 2023 open letter on the issue.

Jewish leaders in Denver have denounced the challenger's rhetoric as fanning antisemitism. The challenger has also declined to attribute the 2025 Boulder fire-bombing of Jewish protesters to bigotry.

The primary follows recent victories by DSA-backed candidates in New York House races and a Washington, D.C., mayoral contest. The organization reports more than 30 wins by its endorsed candidates this cycle. The incumbent has cited her seniority and upcoming committee chairmanship as reasons voters should retain her experience over a candidate with no congressional service.