Representative Diana DeGette, a Democrat from Colorado, faced a significant defeat in a recent primary election. Diana DeGette, who has served for 30 years, lost to Melat Kiros, a candidate supported by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Melat Kiros, aged 29, secured victory in the primary for a predominantly Democratic House district based in Denver. The Associated Press reported this win as an important milestone for the socialist movement.
The DSA perceived DeGette’s defeat as evidence of increasing support for their agenda. They celebrated recent wins in similar Democratic primaries in New York City. A DSA social media post rallied their supporters with a message suggesting their success would spread from the East Coast to the Mountain West.
If Kiros wins in November, she may become part of a small group of outspoken socialists in the House, often referred to as the Squad. Kiros received endorsements from several prominent figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Justice Democrats group. Hasan Piker, a socialist commentator known for controversial statements, also supported Kiros.
Diana DeGette, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, ran on a platform that included abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She highlighted her role in legislative initiatives like Medicare-for-All and her experience as an impeachment manager during President Trump’s second impeachment trial.
While DeGette and Kiros had few differences in policy positions, they disagreed markedly on topics related to Israel and corporate PAC funding. Kiros criticized DeGette for accepting corporate donations.
Kiros, a lawyer and PhD student, was dismissed from a New York law firm in 2023 after writing an open letter that defended pro-Palestinian protests and appeared sympathetic to Hamas. Kiros publically remarked on past violent incidents, including a firebombing in Boulder, without labeling them as antisemitic.
In response to the attack, a bipartisan resolution condemned the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals. The resolution passed with nearly unanimous support, except for a few notable present votes.
Diana DeGette expressed severe disapproval of Kiros’ associations and comments. On Facebook, DeGette described Kiros’ remarks on terrorism and antisemitism as appalling.
The race in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District included additional candidates, such as University of Colorado Regent Wanda James. Though James was not as competitive as Kiros, the presence of another candidate added complexity to the outcome.