A major political upset unfolded in Colorado as democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated 15-term Democratic Congresswoman Diana DeGette in the party's primary election. With nearly 78 percent of the ballots counted, Kiros held a lead of around 7,000 votes, prompting multiple US media organisations to project her victory.
Born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States, the 29-year-old former lawyer built her campaign around progressive policies and sharp criticism of the Democratic establishment. She has openly opposed the party's support for Israel during the Gaza war and has described Israel's military campaign as genocide.
Kiros previously lost her legal job after refusing to remove a social media post criticising law firms over their stance on Israel and Palestine. Her outspoken positions and alliance with progressive political voices helped her gain strong backing from younger and left-leaning voters.
Her victory is the latest sign of growing momentum for democratic socialist candidates across the United States. Similar progressive candidates linked to the Democratic Socialists of America have recently secured important primary victories in New York City.
Colorado's congressional district is considered safely Democratic, making Kiros the favourite to win the general election in November.
The primary also saw Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser secure the Democratic nomination for governor, while state Representative Manny Rutinel won the nomination in a key congressional battleground. The results highlight the increasing influence of progressive candidates within the Democratic Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
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