Melat Kiros Wins Democratic Primary in Colorado’s First District

Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, has won the Democratic primary in Colorado’s First Congressional District. This marks a significant change for the district, which includes Denver, as it will have its first new representative since the mid-1990s. Kiros, 29, unseated the long-serving incumbent, Rep. Diana DeGette.

During the election, Kiros secured 49.3% of the vote, while DeGette garnered 43.5%. University of Colorado Regent Wanda James received 7.2%. Kiros spoke with CBS Colorado during the campaign, explaining her decision to run was partly influenced by polling that showed more Denver residents support socialism over capitalism. A study by the Colorado Polling Institute found 52% preferred socialism compared to 48% for 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 stated.

Kiros’ campaign highlighted her endorsements from the Democratic Socialists of America and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Her success in the primary aligns with earlier Democratic assemblies where she received strong support. At the Denver Democratic Assembly in March, Kiros secured 63% of delegate votes compared to DeGette’s 32%.

Longtime Colorado Democratic strategist Mike Dino remarked that Kiros was underestimated but well-organized, which led to the upset. Despite DeGette’s name recognition and congressional seniority, her unexpected poor performance in the delegate count surprised many.

Rep. Diana DeGette, a member of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has been Colorado’s longest-serving congressional representative. She faced primary challengers only five times in her 15 elections. Kiros will now compete against Republican Christy Peterson, who faced no opposition in her primary, in the general election on November 3.