Challenger Melat Kiros, identified as a democratic socialist, has emerged as the projected winner of the Democratic primary for Colorado’s First Congressional District. This district, encompassing Denver, will see a change in representation for the first time since the mid-1990s as Kiros succeeds Rep. Diana DeGette.
At the age of 29, Kiros has no prior experience running for political office. As of 10 p.m. MT, she secured 49.3% of the votes. Incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette received 43.5%, while University of Colorado Regent Wanda James garnered 7.2%.
During the election cycle, Kiros expressed to CBS Colorado her motivation to run, linking her decision to a belief that Denver residents show more support for socialism than capitalism. She referenced a September 2025 survey by the Colorado Polling Institute where 52% of respondents favored socialism over 48% for capitalism. The study showed that 39% held an unfavorable view of socialism, while 47% viewed capitalism unfavorably.
Kiros stated, “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.” Her campaign website highlights endorsements from the Democratic Socialists of America and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Kiros’ primary success did not surprise those monitoring the Democratic assemblies earlier this year. These gatherings help decide who appears on the primary ballot. In March, Kiros received 646 delegate votes, equaling 63% of the total, compared to DeGette’s 336 votes, or 32%, at the Denver Democratic Assembly.
“I was surprised that the congresswoman almost missed getting on the ballot and didn’t have, necessarily, a backup plan with signatures,” said longtime strategist Mike Dino, noting that DeGette’s recognition and seniority seemed advantageous.
Rep. Diana DeGette has served Colorado’s 1st Congressional District and is a member of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce. She’s the longest-serving member of Colorado’s congressional delegation, being challenged in five out of her 15 elections.
Melat Kiros will now compete against Republican Christy Peterson in the general election scheduled for November 3. Peterson faced no opponents in her primary.