Voters in Colorado headed to the polls on Tuesday to cast ballots in the state’s primary elections. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
Progressives had a big night in Colorado’s primaries Tuesday, led by lawyer Melat Kiros, who was poised to unseat 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette for the Democratic nomination in the state’s 1st Congressional District.
With votes still being counted late Tuesday, Kiros had secured 51.3% of the vote, compared with DeGette’s 41.6% and Wanda James’ 7%, according to preliminary results from the Denver government.
If the tallies hold, Kiros’ victory would be a surprise upset, and would mark another establishment Democratic incumbent losing to a progressive.
The 29-year-old democratic socialist claimed victory during a speech before supporters Tuesday night.
“Denver voters of all ages, of all races, of all religions sent a clear message: We will not wait,” she said, referring to taking on President Donald Trump, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, getting corporate money out of politics and ending U.S. military support for Israel over the war in Gaza, which were all key issues of her campaign.
“We believe that fundamental change can and will happen if we fight for it.”
DeGette, who was first elected to Congress in 1996, did not immediately concede defeat, issuing a statement online that said, “It looks like we won’t have the final results tonight, but we’ll keep monitoring the returns as they come in.”
“I remain grateful for your support and for the honor of representing this city we love,” she said.
Congressional District 1 encompasses the entirety of the city and the county of Denver.
Christy Peterson won the Republican Party nomination for the 1st Congressional District, running unopposed.
Progressives — in particular democratic socialists — have made significant gains within their party this cycle as Democrats face a Republican Party that is sliding further right. In New York City, its new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is the most notable example.
The Democratic gubernatorial primary was another key race in the state that saw another win by a member of the party’s anti-establishment wing over a more established candidate.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser late Tuesday had secured a decisive victory over Sen. Michael Bennet.
According to preliminary results, Weiser had 55.74% of the vote and Bennet had 44%.
In conceding defeat, Bennet congratulated Weiser on his win in a statement and vowed to “do everything I can to help him and CO Democrats win in November.”
Weiser, during his victory speech, confirmed that Bennet had called him.
Speaking before his supporters, he said their movement “is what democracy looks like” and that they sent a clear message that the future of Colorado will not be decided by out-of-state billionaires, corporations or special interests.
“Colorado’s future belongs to all of us,” he said.
“Coloradans deserved a choice in this primary race because in America, we, the people — not established politics — choose our leaders.”
The Republican Party gubernatorial primary was too close to call late Tuesday, with Barb Kirkmeyer, a Colorado assembly member, with 40.1% of the vote, and Marine veteran and ministry leader Victor Marx with 39.45%, according to preliminary results.
In the Senate race, Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper was able to narrowly hold on to his party’s nomination for the Senate seat against progressive challenger Julie Gonzales, a Colorado state senator.
Preliminary results showed that Hickenlooper had 55.37% of the vote and Gonzales had 44.63%.
Gonzales had conceded defeat.
“The fight — for an economy that works for us, a democracy that includes us and a future that belongs to us — continues,” she said in a statement.
In his victory speech, Hickenlooper attempted to project an image of a united Democratic Party in its mission to regain the House, Senate and White House.
“We’re going to stop President Trump in his tracks,” he said.
“We’re going to cut back on the corruption coming out of the White House, all the attacks on our cost of living, this endless war — we’re going to push back in every direction.”
Progressive candidate Manny Rutinel was also poised to win against Shannon Bird in Colorado’s Congressional District 8.
Preliminary results showed Rutinel had secured 61.5% of the vote to Bird’s 33.77%.
This week in Washington
News anchors are seen outside the Supreme Court of the United States as the court releases their final opinions before summer recess on Tuesday. The court upheld birthright citizenship and also state laws banning transgender women and girls from playing on school athletic teams. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
