Key facts
- Melat Kiros defeated Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st congressional district primary.
- Melat Kiros is a 29-year-old progressive Democrat and lawyer.
- Diana DeGette was a 15-term incumbent.
- Melat Kiros was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders.
- Phil Weiser defeated Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination for governor in Colorado.
- Phil Weiser framed Michael Bennet as a "DC insider."
- Manny Rutinel won the Democratic primary for Colorado's 8th congressional district.
- Manny Rutinel's campaign received $1 million from the You Can Push Back Super PAC.
- The You Can Push Back Super PAC is funded by Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen.
- Democratic Socialists of America candidates are gaining momentum in primaries across the US.
- The DSA has over 100,000 members nationwide.
- Colorado voters favored insurgent candidates who positioned themselves as fighters against the establishment.
Colorado Democrats have demonstrated a strong preference for insurgent candidates in recent primary elections, signaling a departure from establishment figures and a desire for politicians who position themselves as fighters against the status quo. This trend was notably evident in the 1st congressional district, where Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old progressive Democrat and lawyer, successfully unseated 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette. Kiros, who received an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders, centered her campaign on issues such as U.S. support for Israel, contrasting with DeGette's significant backing from pro-Israel lobbying groups.
Further illustrating this shift, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser defeated U.S. Senator Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination for governor. Weiser's campaign effectively portrayed Bennet as a "DC insider" disconnected from the concerns of Colorado voters. In the 8th congressional district, Democratic candidate Manny Rutinel secured his party's primary victory. His campaign benefited from substantial financial support, receiving $1 million from the You Can Push Back Super PAC, which is funded by Ripple Labs co-founder Chris Larsen.
These primary outcomes in Colorado align with a broader national trend of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates gaining momentum. The DSA has reported significant membership growth, exceeding 100,000 members nationwide, and is increasingly advocating for a socialist presidential candidate in the 2028 election. Candidates emphasizing a combative approach and challenging established political norms appear to resonate with Democratic voters across various states, including New York, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.