DSA-backed candidate Melat Kiros defeated Representative Diana DeGette, who had held office for 30 years, in the Democratic Party primary election held in Colorado.
According to the Associated Press, the 29-year-old Kiros won the primary in the Denver-based 1st District, scoring a significant victory for the socialist left.
The rise of the DSA
Following its successes in New York primaries, the DSA described the Colorado result as a "ripple effect." The organization, which last week used the phrase "Today the East Coast, next week the Mountain West" on social media, viewed DeGette's loss as proof of its growing influence.
Ethiopian-born Kiros is expected to join the far-left group known as the "Squad" in the House of Representatives if elected in November. She has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the anti-corruption leftist organization Justice Democrats.
The debate over Israel and antisemitism
Sharp differences of opinion on Israel and antisemitism emerged between Kiros and DeGette during the primary campaign. Kiros received the support of social media streamer Hasan Piker, known for his pro-Hamas statements, while DeGette characterized this support as "excusing terrorism."
Kiros was fired from her job at a New York law firm in 2023 after publishing an open letter arguing that pro-Palestinian students' demand for the elimination of Israel was not antisemitic. She also described the October 7, 2023 attacks as the "inevitable consequence of the apartheid regime" and made statements implying that the U.S. deserved the September 11 attacks.
In an interview with 9News, Kiros was asked whether she thought the terrorist attack was an inevitable consequence of American foreign policy. She replied, "We have destabilized the Middle East, and that has led people to believe that another act of violence is the only response."
DeGette's response and the dynamics of the election
DeGette condemned Kiros's statements, saying she "continues to excuse terrorism." The 30-year incumbent said in a Facebook post, "I am shocked that Kiros is trying to justify the killing of innocent people."
A third candidate in the race, University of Colorado Regent Wanda James, may have split the vote, further reducing DeGette's chances. The 1st District, known as Colorado's most liberal district, voted for Vice President Kamala Harris by a 56-point margin in 2024.
