Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary
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Melat Kiros in Denver. Photo: RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Progressive upstart Melat Kiros completed a monumental upset over U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, defeating the 15-time incumbent on Tuesday to secure the Democratic nomination in Colorado's 1st Congressional District, the AP reports.
Why it matters: The 29-year-old's victory proves that anti-establishment victories in New York City can be replicated, likely increasing anxiety for other Democratic incumbents.
State of play: Kiros' victory in the deep-blue district means she's poised to become the first Black woman to represent Colorado in Congress and just the third woman to represent the district since 1972.
- The Associated Press called the race for Kiros just after 10pm Tuesday.
- She led by 6 points in latest ballot drop from Denver Elections Division, with 49% compared to DeGette's 44%.
- Challenger Wanda James was in third with 7.2%.
By the numbers: The primary attracted millions in outside spending, according to Federal Election Commission filings. But despite DeGette's significant financial edge, Kiros prevailed.
- Justice Democrats' super PAC was Kiros' biggest backer, spending more than $500,000, followed by left-wing PAC American Priorities at $150,000.
- Pro-Choice Majority Action — which has ties to the Democratic Women's Caucus and, indirectly, AIPAC — was DeGette's biggest spender, putting more than $1.5 million behind the incumbent.
Context: Kiros earned backing from key left-leaning groups such as the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter, the Colorado Working Families Party, Justice Democrats and the Sunrise Movement.
- She received a major endorsement from progressive champion Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) this month.
- Despite being a Congressional Progressive Caucus member and Medicare-for-All cosponsor, DeGette had been tagged by the left as a defender of Israel and recipient of corporate PAC support.
What's next: Kiros moves on to the Nov. 3 general election, where she's the presumptive winner in the heavily Democratic seat covering Denver and parts of Arapahoe County.