Key facts
- Melat Kiros defeated 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in a Colorado House primary.
- Kiros, a progressive Democrat, is a lawyer and PhD student.
- DeGette had served in Congress since 1997.
- Kiros's campaign focused on issues including US support for Israel.
- Outside groups supporting DeGette spent approximately $2.3 million.
Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old Ethiopian immigrant, lawyer, and PhD student, has defeated 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for Colorado's 1st congressional district. Kiros, a progressive Democrat endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders and groups like Justice Democrats, campaigned on a platform critical of US support for Israel. DeGette, who has served in Congress since 1997, had received significant financial backing from pro-Israel lobbying groups, including AIPAC, and faced criticism for her stance on weapons transfers to Israel.
Kiros's victory is seen as a landmark win for the Democratic Socialists and highlights internal divisions within the Democratic party. She stated she was fired from a law firm for defending student protests against the "genocide in Gaza." Outside groups reportedly spent approximately $2.3 million to support DeGette, with $1.3 million spent in the final days of the race, according to reports. The Democratic National Committee initially delayed acknowledging Kiros's win but eventually issued a statement praising her advocacy for healthcare, childcare, housing affordability, and workers' rights.
DeGette has not yet publicly acknowledged the results. The race is considered a significant upset, with Kiros now heavily favored to win the general election in the deep-blue district.