The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has set its sights on Colorado, making the state's Tuesday primaries the latest battleground in the ongoing struggle between the progressive left and the center-left establishment within the Democratic Party. This move follows recent ballot-box successes for DSA-aligned candidates in New York's congressional primaries.
The DSA has expressed its intention to replicate its strategy nationwide, beginning with Colorado's 1st Congressional District. This solidly Democratic seat, which includes Denver, was carried by a significant margin by then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Incumbent Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette, who has served for three decades, faces primary challenges from candidates including Melat Kiros, who is supported by the DSA and Justice Democrats. Kiros, a former attorney, has been endorsed by groups that have previously backed progressive