Key facts
- Diana DeGette is facing a strong challenge from progressive candidate Elizabeth K Kiro s in Colorado.
- Outside groups have spent roughly $3 million in the race, with a significant portion supporting DeGette.
- Kiro s is leveraging a large volunteer base and aiming to replicate successful progressive organizing models.
- DeGette has secured an endorsement from Rep. Pramila Jayapal, which has drawn some progressive backlash.
- National progressive organizations and online influencers are actively supporting Kiro s's campaign.
Colorado Democrats are preparing for a potential upset in a primary race where incumbent Diana DeGette faces a strong challenge from progressive candidate Elizabeth K Kiro s. Outside groups have injected approximately $3 million into the race in the past month, with a significant portion, about $2.3 million, supporting DeGette or opposing Kiro s. DeGette's side holds a nearly 3-to-1 spending advantage in the final stretch.
DeGette recently released an endorsement video from Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a former chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. This move, however, drew backlash from some progressives, given Kiro s's support from Senator Bernie Sanders and other national progressive leaders.
A Colorado Democratic strategist close to DeGette's campaign noted the difficulty in conveying the seriousness of the race to funders and local supporters, as DeGette has historically won easily. In contrast, Kiro s reported having over 5,000 volunteers and is aiming to capitalize on a surge of support following recent progressive victories in New York. Her campaign has planned more than 60 canvasses and is seeking to replicate the organizing model that propelled democratic socialists to victories in New York.
Kiro s expressed confidence in her campaign's ability to overcome financial opposition through grassroots organizing. National DSA chapters are actively hosting phone banks for Kiro s, and Denver organizers anticipate knocking on nearly 100,000 doors before polls close. Popular Twitch streamer Hasan Piker also plans to replicate his New York efforts by hosting a phone-bank marathon for Kiro s and campaigning in Colorado on primary day.