The political landscape in Colorado is undergoing a significant transformation as progressive candidates make substantial gains in the 2026 primaries. This shift reflects a broader national trend of anti-establishment sentiment and a push for generational change within the Democratic Party.
In Denver, democratic socialist Melat Kiros secured a notable victory over longtime incumbent Diana DeGette who had represented Colorado’s 1st Congressional District for three decades. Kiros, an attorney who lost her job for speaking out against her industry’s silence on Israel’s actions in Gaza, campaigned on a platform of progressive values and grassroots activism.
Progressive Victories and Establishment Challenges
The defeat of DeGette is part of a larger pattern of progressive victories across the country. Usamah Andrabi spokesperson for Justice Democrats highlighted the significance of these wins, stating, “In the last week, we have taken out 40 years of incumbency.”
Kiros’s campaign was characterized by intense on-the-ground efforts, with volunteers knocking on 115,000 doors. Despite a last-minute infusion of super PAC money for DeGette, Kiros’s grassroots support proved decisive. “We’re just having an amazing fucking cycle,” Andrabi added, emphasizing the momentum behind progressive candidates.
Mixed Results in Key Races
While progressive candidates celebrated victories in some races, the results were mixed in others. In the statewide race for governor, Phil Weiser the two-term Colorado Attorney General, defeated incumbent Michael Bennet by positioning himself as an outsider despite holding statewide office. Weiser’s campaign focused on his legal battles against President Donald Trump, a strategy that resonated with voters.
In the Senate race, incumbent John Hickenlooper successfully defended his seat against progressive challenger Julie Gonzales. Hickenlooper’s refusal to debate Gonzales and his early efforts to thwart her campaign may have contributed to his victory. Gonzales, who embraced progressive policies such as Medicare for All, fell short in her bid to unseat the centrist senator.
Key District Races
In Colorado Springs, Jessica Killin an Army veteran and former chief of staff to Doug Emhoff, secured the Democratic nomination in the 5th Congressional District. Killin, backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee pledged to sign onto a new pact from conservative House Democrats to promote capitalism and fight both socialism and the MAGA movement. She will face first-term incumbent GOP Rep. Jeff Crank in the general election.
In the 8th District, Manny Rutinel a progressive state representative, defeated Shannon Bird a former state lawmaker backed by the conservative Blue Dog PAC. Rutinel campaigned on fighting the “cruelty” of Trump’s immigration policy and positioned himself as a candidate who would rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Despite initially supporting progressive policies like Medicare for All and opposing fracking, Rutinel moderated some of his stances during the campaign. He will face freshman GOP Rep. Gabe Evans in the general election.
The Future of the Democratic Party
The results of the 2026 primaries in Colorado highlight the ongoing battle over the future of the Democratic Party. Progressive candidates are gaining traction by appealing to grassroots support and addressing issues such as economic inequality, healthcare, and immigration. However, establishment candidates continue to hold significant influence, as seen in the victories of Hickenlooper and Killin.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the success of progressive candidates in Colorado and across the country will shape the direction of the Democratic Party. The 2026 primaries serve as a microcosm of the broader national debate over the party’s values and priorities.
