Melat Kiros projected to defeat Diana DeGette in Colorado Congressional primary

Challenger Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, is projected to defeat incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado's First Congressional District primary. This upset win means the Denver-area district will have a new representative for the first time since the mid-1990s. Kiros, 29, who has never run for political office before, secured 49.3% of the vote as of 10 p.m. MT, compared to DeGette's 43.5% and University of Colorado Regent Wanda James' 7.2%. Kiros stated that she decided to run partly because of polling indicating Denverites favor socialism over capitalism. A September 2025 survey by the Colorado Polling Institute found 52% of Denver voters favored socialism, while 48% favored 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 told CBS Colorado. Her campaign website highlights support from the Democratic Socialists of America and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Kiros' success was foreshadowed in earlier Democratic assemblies, where she received 63% of delegate votes compared to DeGette's 32%. Longtime Colorado Democratic strategist Mike Dino expressed surprise at DeGette's performance, noting that while her name recognition and seniority were advantages, her poor showing and lack of a signature backup plan were unexpected. "It clearly showed that Melat Kiros was underestimated, but was well-organized, and that's a combination for an upset," Dino said.

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seen polling that Denverites are more in favor of socialism than they are to capitalism.