Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros Upsets 15‑Term Incumbent in Colorado Primary

Ethiopian‑born 29‑year‑old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros defeated 15‑term U.S. Representative Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. The upset, called by the Associated Press after 78 % of votes were counted, marks the first time a self‑identified socialist will likely represent the district in Congress.

Kiros ran on a platform that includes Medicare for All, an immediate pathway to citizenship for every undocumented immigrant, abolishing ICE and ending U.S. military support for Israel. In her victory speech she said, “We will not wait to take the fight to Donald Trump and the oligarchy,” and “We will not wait to abolish ICE and Medicare for All.”

The victory is part of a broader anti‑establishment wave that saw progressive challengers win primaries in New York City and Colorado, including Attorney General Phil Weiser’s defeat of Senator Michael Bennet and several DSA‑backed candidates such as Darializa Chevalier and Brad Lander. The string of wins signals a shift within the Democratic Party toward more left‑wing policies and a challenge to the party’s traditional establishment.