A 29-year-old democratic socialist takes on Colorado’s most senior member of Congress

29-Year-Old Lawyer Challenges Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st District Democratic Primary

Melat Kiros, born in 1997, is running against Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District. DeGette has represented the district since 1997. The primary is scheduled for June 30, 2026.

Kiros, 29, is a lawyer, PhD student, and barista. Her family immigrated to the United States from Ethiopia when she was an infant. She grew up in Denver and returned to the city in 2025. DeGette, 68, is seeking a 16th term. University of Colorado Regent Wanda James is also running in the primary.

Kiros has described DeGette as aligned with corporate interests and stated that the Democratic Party has shifted away from working-class priorities. She has characterized the current system as an oligarchy in which corporations hold disproportionate influence. DeGette has said her campaign contributions do not affect her legislative positions and has pointed to her record on healthcare policy and abortion rights.

DeGette serves as ranking member or chair of a House subcommittee with jurisdiction over health issues. She has stated she would support Medicare for All legislation if Democrats regain House control. Kiros has criticized DeGette’s acceptance of contributions from corporate political action committees, including those connected to the healthcare sector. DeGette has responded that no contributor has received legislative favors in exchange for donations.

Kiros was endorsed by Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party. Justice Democrats communications director Usamah Andrabi stated that Democratic voters in the current cycle have expressed dissatisfaction with party leadership. The Working Families Party spokesperson Ravi Mangla said the distinction in the race centers on whether candidates accept funds from certain industries.

DeGette has emphasized her experience and her role in the 2019 impeachment proceedings. In a candidate forum, she said voters should not select an inexperienced candidate. She has also highlighted her positions on abortion access and opposition to certain immigration enforcement policies.

Kiros has made criticism of U.S. policy toward Israel a central element of her campaign. She has called for an arms embargo and described Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide. In November 2023, Kiros published an open letter while employed at a New York City law firm. The letter criticized the response of major law firms to the October 7, 2023, attacks. It also stated there was “no justification for the attacks on Israel on October 7th.” Kiros was subsequently terminated from the firm.

Outside spending has occurred in the final weeks of the campaign. Justice Democrats’ PAC reported spending more than $500,000 supporting Kiros. The pro-Palestine PAC American Priorities also made expenditures. Pro-Choice Majority Action, linked to Elect Democratic Women, spent more than $1.5 million on advertisements supporting DeGette. Campaign finance records show that Elect Democratic Women Action Fund received $250,000 from the United Democracy Project, which is affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, in April 2026. A newly formed group, the Mile High Accountability Project, spent $350,000 supporting DeGette.

DeGette has described Denver voters as focused on opposition to President Donald Trump, Medicare for All, and immigration enforcement issues. She stated that Denver is distinct from New York City. Kiros has argued that both cities share characteristics including immigrant populations, progressive policy preferences, and concerns over housing costs.

Additional Democratic primaries in Colorado include Sen. Michael Bennet’s race for governor against Attorney General Phil Weiser and Sen. John Hickenlooper’s primary against state Sen. Julie Gonzales. Primary results in other states have included wins by some progressive challengers and victories by more established candidates in other contests.

Kiros has said the volume of outside spending against her campaign reflects the interests of corporations and advocacy groups seeking to maintain the incumbent. DeGette has expressed confidence that her message is reaching voters. No public polling has been released for the Colorado 1st District primary in the days immediately preceding the election.

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