Colorado experienced a significant shift in its political landscape on Tuesday night, marked by a wave of victories for candidates opposing the established Democratic order.
In a clear sign of widespread dissatisfaction with traditional leadership, candidates who positioned themselves as challengers to the Democratic establishment achieved remarkable success across Colorado. This trend follows similar insurgent victories in New York City the previous week.
Democratic socialist Melat Kiros achieved a stunning upset over 15-term Representative Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), who was first elected before Kiros was born. Additionally, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser defeated longtime Senator Michael Bennet, marking significant losses for two major Democratic figures in the state. Initially seen as longshots, Kiros and Weiser effectively portrayed themselves as fighters against entrenched interests, criticizing their opponents as too aligned with Washington insiders and ineffective in their lengthy tenures.
“For decades Democrats have failed to meaningfully deliver for working families,” Kiros stated in an interview after her victory was confirmed. “We need to eradicate corruption and remove money from politics. It’s not about popular support; it’s about political will — which means voting out incumbents who accept corporate PAC money.” She further declared her unwillingness to support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for speaker.
Manny Rutinel, a progressive state representative, secured the Democratic nomination to compete against Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) for a highly contested House seat. Supported by significant financial backing from Latino groups, Rutinel criticized his moderate opponent for not opposing President Donald Trump’s ICE operations.
“People are frustrated with the establishment and want leaders who will confront Donald Trump and Gabe Evans, as they are damaging our economy,” Rutinel said. “We need advocates who understand and will fight for the struggles of everyday people. That’s what I’ve done throughout my career and will continue to do in Congress.”
This anti-establishment sentiment was evident throughout the primary elections on Tuesday.
While moderate Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) won his primary, his democratic socialist-aligned opponent, state Sen. Julie Gonzales, came close to a single-digit loss. Despite Hickenlooper’s significant fundraising advantage, Gonzales led in Denver, where Hickenlooper previously served as mayor. Hickenlooper’s margin of victory was narrower than Weiser’s, with 90 percent of votes counted.
Several more moderate state legislators also lagged behind their more progressive challengers.
“Voters are angry,” remarked Doug Friednash, a seasoned Colorado Democratic strategist and former chief of staff to Hickenlooper. “They are all anti-establishment and feel that our leaders haven’t fought hard enough and lack a coherent voice. Kiros is the definitive example.”
Kiros was dismissed from her role as an attorney after writing an op-ed criticizing the backlash against critics of Israel’s government. She launched her campaign with an advertisement depicting herself as a change-bringer, criticizing DeGette, a low-profile progressive, for inadequate opposition efforts. Her campaign repeatedly emphasized the need for a fighter, a theme she reiterated in her victory speech.
Weiser’s campaign, while not as closely aligned with Kiros’ DSA-backed approach, also positioned him as a challenger to both the Democratic establishment and the Trump administration. A two-term statewide official, Weiser, at 58, only three years younger than Bennet, highlighted his numerous lawsuits against the president’s policies, from executive orders on birthright citizenship to federal funding freezes.
“Coloradans need a governor who is a fighter,” Weiser stated in a campaign ad. “I’ll always stand up to bullies, especially Donald Trump. Congress isn’t doing it. But I am, having won 34 legal cases and counting.”
Kiros’ campaign was bolstered by strong support from national progressive leaders and groups. She gained significant endorsements from Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
Justice Democrats, the first national group to endorse Kiros, highlighted the victory as evidence of their strategy’s success. “Our candidates win by advocating for an affordable life for working-class voters and challenging a Democratic establishment funded by corporations,” said Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson.
The Democratic Socialists of America significantly contributed to Kiros’ campaign, organizing extensive phone and door-to-door outreach efforts in Denver.
Popular socialist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, a key figure in New York’s insurgent successes, dedicated multiple streams to promoting Kiros’ campaign. He hosted her for an interview and conducted extensive phone-banking sessions live on stream, mobilizing his audience before joining Kiros in Denver on primary day.
“A thirty-year incumbent was defeated tonight. It’s clear there is a strong desire for change. Democrats nationwide demand it,” Piker remarked. “This change is a working-class movement. It’s socialism, and we are not done yet.”
