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DSA Scores Mountain West Breakthrough as Melat Kiros Ousts 30-Year Denver Incumbent Diana DeGette

7/6/2026

Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate, defeated Rep.

Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st Congressional District Democratic primary Tuesday, ending the Denver incumbent's 30-year congressional career.

The Associated Press called the race Tuesday evening, delivering the DSA its highest-profile scalp yet, days after a slate of socialist candidates swept Democratic primaries in New York City.

Colorado's 1st voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris by 56 points in 2024, making the November general a formality for the primary winner.