Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1049 EAT on Wednesday 1 July 2026

Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros Ousts 15-Term Congresswoman Diana DeGette in Colorado Primary Upset
Democratic socialist Melat Kiros has defeated 15-term United States Representative Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for a Denver-area congressional district in Colorado, according to projections by US media outlets.

The victory marks another major primary upset in which a progressive challenger has defeated an established Democratic figure.

Multiple media organizations called the race on Tuesday after 78 percent of ballots had been counted, with Kiros holding a lead of nearly 7,000 votes over DeGette. The result signals a shift in the district’s Democratic electorate and adds to a growing trend of left-leaning candidates challenging longtime party incumbents.

Kiros, who was brought to the United States from Ethiopia as a baby, entered the primary race amid controversy over her criticism of Democratic politicians who support Israel and her association with socialist political commentator Hasan Piker.
She is now widely expected to win November’s general election in the heavily Democratic district.

The 29-year-old former lawyer was dismissed from her job after refusing to remove a social media post that criticised law firms over their positions on Israel and Palestine. She has also described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, a claim that has drawn both support and criticism.

Kiros becomes the latest democratic socialist candidate to defeat an established Democratic incumbent this summer.

In New York City, three candidates with links to the Democratic Socialists of America and endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani won their respective primary races, further highlighting the growing influence of progressive movements within the Democratic Party.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has defeated US Senator Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination for governor, according to projections by US media outlets.

Weiser, who raised and spent more money than Bennet during the campaign, emerged victorious in a race largely focused on which candidate was best positioned to defend Colorado against President Donald Trump’s policies.

The contest was shaped by tensions between the state and the Trump administration, including the freezing of federal funds allocated to Colorado and the veto of a major drinking water project.

Colorado, a state that has leaned Democratic in statewide elections over the past two decades, will now see Weiser advance as the party’s candidate for the November gubernatorial election.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser argued during his campaign that he had been a leading challenger to the Donald Trump administration, highlighting legal battles over a federal funding freeze and Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship.
Weiser is now widely expected to win the November gubernatorial election in the Democratic-leaning state.

Meanwhile, state Representative Manny Rutinel has won the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican US Representative Gabe Evans in a closely watched battleground district that Democrats view as a key pickup opportunity in the November 3 midterm elections, according to projections.

Rutinel, a progressive candidate, defeated moderate former state Representative Shannon Bird in a campaign dominated by debate over immigration. The district, which covers Denver’s northern suburbs and surrounding rural communities, has a Latino population of nearly 40 percent.

Although Evans narrowly won the seat in 2024, he enters the general election with a significant fundraising advantage, reporting $3.4 million in campaign funds compared with Rutinel’s $910,000.

Republican Party currently holds narrow majorities in both chambers of United States Congress. Democrats would need to gain three seats to take control of the House of Representatives and four seats to secure a Senate majority in November.

-Aljazeera

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here

Email: editorial@hicginewsagency.com TalkBusiness@hicginewsagency.com WhatsApp +256713137566

Follow us on all social media, type “HICGI News Agency” .