DSA's Colorado Challenge
Democratic Socialists of America Expand Efforts into Colorado, Backing Challenger in DeGette's Primary Race
The Democratic Socialists of America is taking its New York winning formula to Colorado, where 29-year-old lawyer Melat Kiros is challenging 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette in a June 30 primary. In a single Friday phone bank, DSA volunteers made over 110,000 calls to Colorado voters — a show of force that has rattled the Democratic establishment ABC News 4.
The push follows a DSA sweep in New York, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani-backed candidates knocked out establishment incumbents. A new internal poll by Justice Democrats shows Kiros leading DeGette 48% to 43% — within the margin of error but enough to put the race on the national radar KOMO News.
DeGette's 30-Year Hold Now Looks Shaky
Diana DeGette is Colorado's longest-serving House member. But back in March, she got only 33% of the delegate vote at the district assembly — barely clearing the 30% floor needed to appear on the ballot. Kiros took 67%. That result was the first sign that DeGette's grip on Denver was slipping WACH.
Three pro-establishment super PACs, including the "Mile High Accountability Project," have dumped a combined $1.3 million into Denver airwaves to defend DeGette. Denver strategist Mike Dino called it "insurance money," pointing to a "pattern across the country where incumbents are being taken on by insurgents" fueled by generational anger Local 12.
Bernie Sanders Endorses Kiros, Hasan Piker Dials In
On June 26, Sen. Bernie Sanders officially backed Kiros, giving her campaign a major national boost. That same evening, DSA teamed up with streamer Hasan Piker for a massive digital phone bank. The result: more than 110,000 calls made to Colorado voters in a single night Mid Michigan Now.
Kiros said the energy is real. "They can't stop us from building this movement," she said. "Our platform is resonating with voters fed up with establishment failures." Her platform includes Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and an arms embargo on Israel KRCG TV.
RNC Brands the Socialist Wave the 'Mamdani Effect'
Republicans are watching closely — and cheering. After the New York results, RNC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar called the socialist surge the "Mamdani Effect" and said it would be a "kiss of death" for Democrats in competitive districts. The RNC plans to tie moderate Democrats to the far-left wing ahead of the midterms ABC 45.
President Trump also weighed in, calling the socialist rise the "greatest threat to our country since its founding." Meanwhile, 15 House Democrats signed an open letter pushing back: "We are capitalist, not socialist. We are mainstream, not extreme" — a sign of a deep split inside the party WUTV 29.
A Denver Win Would Reshape the Democratic Party's Future
Colorado's 1st Congressional District is the safest Democratic seat in the state. Whoever wins the primary on June 30 is virtually guaranteed a seat in Congress. That is exactly why the DSA picked it. A Kiros win would prove the organization can topple veterans anywhere — not just in New York KOMO News.
Mayor Mamdani framed the moment in broad terms after the New York sweep. "This is a national message — it's a national crisis," he said. "These victories carry a New Deal understanding of politics to the national stage." If Kiros wins, no long-serving incumbent in a safe blue seat will feel untouchable again Local 12.
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