TL/DR –
Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old former lawyer and democratic socialist, defeated 15-term U.S. Representative Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary in a Denver-area district in Colorado. Kiros, who is of Ethiopian descent, has been controversial due to her criticism of Democrats who support Israel and her alliance with socialist political commentator Hasan Piker. The article also notes the victories of other democratic socialists in recent U.S. primaries, and the Democratic Party’s strategy to gain control of the House and Senate in the November elections.
Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros Defeats U.S Representative Diana DeGette
Former lawyer Melat Kiros criticises Democrats for their support of Israel during genocidal war on Gaza.
Published On: 1 Jul 2026
Democratic socialist Melat Kiros overcame United States Representative Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary in Denver, Colorado, as per US media projections. Media outlets announced Kiros’ victory after 78% of votes were counted, revealing her almost 7,000-vote lead over DeGette.
Controversies Surrounding Kiros
Ethiopian-born Kiros, who moved to the US as a baby, faced criticism over her condemnation of Democrats supporting Israel and her alliance with socialist political commentator Hasan Piker. The 29-year-old former lawyer lost her job after defying requests to remove a post criticising law firms for their stance on Israel and Palestine, and denouncing Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide.
Kiros’ Expected Victory in November
The overwhelmingly Democratic district is anticipated to elect Kiros in the November election, marking another victory for a democratic socialist over an establishment Democrat.
Other Notable Victories
In New York City, three Democratic Socialists of America candidates endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani clinched their primaries. Additionally, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser trounced US Senator Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination for governor. Weiser’s campaign centred on defending Colorado from President Donald Trump’s funding freeze and veto of a major drinking water project.
State Representative Manny Rutinel vs Gabe Evans
Manny Rutinel, a progressive candidate, also defeated former state Representative Shannon Bird for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican US Representative Gabe Evans. Despite Evans’ significant funding advantage, Democrats view this as a key opportunity to regain seats in November’s midterm elections, where they need a net gain of three seats for a House majority and four for Senate control.
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