The result marks the end of an era for DeGette, who had represented the district in Congress for 15 terms and was widely viewed as one of the party’s entrenched incumbents. Her defeat underscores growing frustration among far-left activists with establishment Democrats they believe have not moved aggressively enough toward their policy agenda.
Kiros, an attorney born in Ethiopia, entered the race with strong backing from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), an organization that has steadily expanded its influence within Democratic politics over the past several election cycles.
The victory is likely to fuel concerns among moderates that socialist candidates continue to gain momentum inside the Democratic Party, particularly in deep-blue districts where the primary often determines the eventual winner.
Kiros has already attracted national attention for several controversial remarks made during the campaign. Among the most widely discussed was her claim that the September 11 terrorist attacks were America’s fault—a statement that sparked criticism from political opponents and conservatives.
Her campaign also received support from Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose endorsement added credibility among progressive activists and energized left-wing voters heading into Election Day.
Throughout her campaign, Kiros argued that many socialist principles are already woven into American society through taxpayer-funded public services. During a recent media interview, she defended her political philosophy by pointing to government-funded infrastructure and community services.
“We have socialism already. It’s in the roads we drive on, the schools we send our kids to, the fire stations we call upon. I’m just asking that we extend that security to our healthcare, to our housing, to our nutritional food, to our higher education so that we’re actually meeting the basic needs of everyday working families in this country,” Kiros said this week in a media interview.
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Supporters applauded the remarks as a straightforward explanation of democratic socialism, while critics argued they reflected an agenda calling for an even larger federal government and expanded taxpayer-funded programs.
The outcome represents one of the most notable primary defeats for an incumbent Democrat this election cycle and signals that ideological battles within the party remain far from settled.
For years, DeGette maintained a secure political position in the Denver-area district, routinely winning reelection with little difficulty. Her loss now illustrates how rapidly the Democratic electorate has evolved, with progressive activists increasingly demanding candidates who embrace policies once considered politically fringe.
Political observers say the race serves as another example of the Democratic Socialists of America successfully building influence at multiple levels of government. The organization has invested heavily in recruiting younger candidates willing to champion policies such as government-run healthcare, expanded social spending, and other progressive priorities.
Tuesday night’s result is also expected to reignite debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party. While establishment leaders have often attempted to balance progressive demands with more moderate messaging, victories like Kiros’ suggest that many Democratic primary voters are rewarding candidates who openly embrace socialist branding rather than distancing themselves from it.
Decision Desk HQ called the race Tuesday evening, confirming Kiros’ victory over the 15-term incumbent and cementing one of the biggest political surprises of the night.
As Democrats continue navigating internal divisions ahead of the general election, Colorado’s 1st District may now stand as another powerful symbol of the party’s accelerating move toward its progressive—and, critics argue, increasingly socialist—wing.
