Rep. Diana DeGette, who has served as a Democratic representative from Colorado for 30 years, lost in a primary to Melat Kiros, a DSA-backed challenger. This event marked a significant win for the Democratic Socialists of America.
Kiros, 29, emerged victorious in the primary for a predominantly Democratic House seat based in Denver. The DSA highlighted DeGette’s defeat as a sign of their growing influence, following recent wins by socialist candidates in New York City.
“Today, the East Coast, next week the Mountain West,” the DSA stated on social media before the Colorado primary.
If elected in November, Kiros, originally from Ethiopia, may join the far-left group known as the Squad. She has received endorsements from prominent figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Justice Democrats organization. Notably, Hasan Piker, a controversial streamer, also supported her campaign.
Despite being a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, DeGette saw her attempts to secure a 16th term thwarted. She advocated for policies like abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and promoted her experience in influential positions, including acting as an impeachment manager during former President Trump’s second trial.
The primary did not revolve around many policy differences between DeGette and Kiros, but their views on Israel and antisemitism diverged. Kiros criticized DeGette over corporate PAC donations and made headlines for past statements that appeared to defend Hamas and other controversial remarks.
Kiros has faced criticism over her comments regarding the October 2023 attacks on Israel and the firebombing incident in Boulder. She argued that the attacks were outcomes of apartheid policies. Her past remarks on 9/11, indicating it was an outcome of U.S. actions in the Middle East, also attracted attention.
DeGette expressed her shock at Kiros’ comments, which she described as excuses for terrorism. The race further complicated as Wanda James, a University of Colorado Regent, also entered the fray, impacting the contest’s dynamics.