Socialists Are Surging. In Colorado, a 29-Year Incumbent Is Sweating.

Rep. Diana DeGette Faces Primary Challenge From Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros in Colorado

Rep. Diana DeGette, the Colorado Democrat first elected to the House in 1996, is facing her first competitive primary challenge in nearly three decades. The June 30 primary in the state’s 1st Congressional District pits the 14-term incumbent against Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist backed by several progressive organizations.

DeGette has encountered public criticism from voters during the campaign, including an exchange at a Denver coffee shop. An internal poll not released publicly showed unfavorable numbers for the incumbent. Reports also circulated that allies of DeGette contacted venues about events involving Kiros. In the final weeks, several super PACs began airing advertisements supporting DeGette, including one group that received funding from organizations affiliated with the pro-Israel lobby.

Kiros, who was born in 1997, has emphasized differences in approach on health care, corporate influence, and U.S. policy toward Israel. At the Democratic district assembly earlier this year, Kiros received 67 percent support from delegates compared with 33 percent for DeGette. The assembly vote occurred before the primary and reflected preferences among party activists who attended.

Justice Democrats, which endorsed Kiros, stated that its candidates nationally have focused on reducing corporate influence in politics and expanding social programs. Communications director Usamah Andrabi said the group views the Colorado race as part of a broader pattern in which primary voters are examining incumbents’ records on legislation and fundraising.

DeGette has highlighted her work on health care legislation, including co-sponsorship of Medicare for All proposals, and her position as ranking member on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health since January 2025. She has also cited her record on abortion rights and environmental measures. In recent campaign materials, DeGette referenced Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

Kiros’s supporters have pointed to DeGette’s long tenure and fundraising from pharmaceutical companies and other corporate PACs. They argue these ties have limited legislative outcomes on single-payer health care. DeGette has said that if Democrats regain House control and she retains her subcommittee role, she would advance Medicare for All for a vote.

According to GovTrack data, seven bills sponsored by DeGette over 29 years have become law, either as standalone measures or through incorporation into larger legislation. Most House members pass zero or one bill per term. Rep. Joe Neguse, a Colorado Democrat first elected in 2018, had 22 bills enacted during his first two terms.

Super PAC spending in the race’s closing period included advertisements from Pro-Choice Majority Action, an affiliate of EDW Action. EDW Action received $1 million from United Democracy Project, the super PAC associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, between April and May, representing roughly one-third of its reported fundraising since January. DMFI PAC contributed an additional $37,750 to EDW Action in April. A spokesperson for the groups stated that contributions were not conditioned on candidates’ positions regarding Israel. United Democracy Project and DMFI PAC did not respond to inquiries.

DeGette has described herself as pro-Israel. Kiros has criticized U.S. support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza and was previously terminated from a law firm position after posting criticism of firms that restricted pro-Palestinian advocacy.

A progressive strategist who works with congressional candidates, speaking on condition of anonymity, described voter frustration with Democratic incumbents’ records on delivering legislation. The strategist noted that references to opposing former President Trump have not satisfied some primary voters seeking concrete policy results.

The Sunrise Movement, which endorsed Kiros, stated that younger voters are prioritizing candidates who oppose corporate influence and current U.S. policy in Gaza. Denae Ávila-Dickson, a spokesperson for the group, said recent primary results elsewhere reflect this preference.

DeGette has warned that replacing an experienced member with a first-time candidate carries risks, citing her seniority and relationships within the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Kiros has countered that long tenure without corresponding legislative output on major priorities does not justify continued support.

The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to prevail in the general election in the heavily Democratic district. DeGette’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the race.

Kiros has described the contest as evidence that Democratic primary voters are examining incumbents’ donor bases and legislative records more closely. DeGette has maintained that her experience positions her to advance priorities if Democrats regain the majority.