Colorado Democratic Divide
Colorado Primary Reveals Divided Democratic Party Amid Anti-Establishment Wins, Incumbents Hold
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Colorado's June 30 Democratic primary delivered a split verdict that will rattle the party for months. Political newcomer Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist, ousted 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver — the first time a sitting Democratic incumbent in Denver has been unseated in over 50 years, according to The Colorado Sun. But the establishment fought back, with Sen. John Hickenlooper crushing a progressive challenger 57% to 43%.
The night produced clear winners and losers on both sides, escalating a fight over the Democratic Party's direction heading into November's general elections, CBS News reported.
Kiros Topples DeGette in Historic Denver Upset
Melat Kiros, an Ethiopia-born PhD student and former corporate attorney, beat DeGette by roughly 53% to 47%, according to 9News. Kiros had already signaled her strength in March, winning 67% of the party assembly vote and nearly keeping DeGette off the ballot entirely. She ran on universal childcare, elder care, and affordable housing — issues sharpened by Denver's surging housing costs.
Kiros framed her campaign in blunt terms. "I'm running to fight for the working people of Denver, to deliver a more affordable city, and to root out corruption," she said, per The Colorado Sun. Progressive groups called her win a "generational mandate" and a rejection of the party's incremental old guard, according to The 19th News.
Hickenlooper and Weiser Survive, But Not Easily
Sen. John Hickenlooper beat state Sen. Julie Gonzales 57% to 43% — a comfortable margin, but one he bought with a massive spending advantage. Hickenlooper outspent Gonzales roughly 10-to-1, Colorado Politics reported. He also has 200 times more cash on hand than his Republican general election opponent, Mark Baisley.
In the governor's race, Attorney General Phil Weiser beat sitting U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet 55% to 45%, according to CBS News. Weiser raised $6.5 million to Bennet's $4.8 million. Weiser argued voters should keep each man in his current role — a subtle but effective dig at Bennet's decision to leave the Senate to run for governor.
Swing-District Race Sets Up Critical November Battle
In Colorado's 8th Congressional District — a true swing seat — state Rep. Manny Rutinel crushed moderate Shannon Bird 60.9% to 34.4%, CBS News reported. The district is currently held by Republican Gabe Evans. National Democrats see it as a must-win to flip the House. Rutinel told supporters that voters want leaders who will "stand up to Donald Trump and fight for working people."
Rutinel's lopsided win in a competitive district has analysts watching closely. The Cook Political Report and Ballotpedia both flag CO-08 as a test case: can a progressive candidate win a swing seat against a GOP incumbent in November? The answer will carry national implications, according to Axios Denver.
What the Split Verdict Means for Colorado Democrats
The results defy a single clean narrative. Progressives proved they can topple long-entrenched incumbents in deep-blue Denver and dominate swing-district primaries. But Hickenlooper's win shows the establishment still holds when incumbents have money and name recognition. Analysts at Axios Denver called it a "mixed bag" — neither side can claim a full mandate.
Looking ahead, Weiser enters the governor's race as the heavy favorite against Republican state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, CBS News reported. Hickenlooper has signaled this is his "final campaign," potentially opening a Senate seat fight in 2032. And with Kiros heading to Congress, Colorado's Democratic caucus will tilt further left on housing, climate, and economic policy.
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