Radical Socialist Ousts Veteran Democrat in Denver as Colorado Faces Leftward Lurch in Gubernatorial Race
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A 29-year-old self-described democratic socialist, Melat Kiros, unseats long-serving Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver, while Attorney General Phil Weiser, known for aggressive litigation, wins the Democratic nomination for governor, signaling a troubling shift toward far-left policies in Colorado.
In a stunning upset that highlights the Democratic Party’s increasing embrace of radical leftist ideology, voters in Denver’s 1st Congressional District replaced experienced Rep. Diana DeGette with 29-year-old Melat Kiros, a political novice and outspoken democratic socialist. Kiros campaigned on a platform of government-run health care, expanded welfare programs for child and elder care, and a pledge to reject support from job-creating businesses, raising concerns about the future of economic freedom and fiscal responsibility in the district.
Elsewhere, in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District—a competitive and heavily Latino area—state Rep. Manny Rutinel secured the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Rep. Gabe Evans in November. With the district rated a "toss-up," the outcome could determine whether the far-left gains even more influence in the U.S. House.
The Democratic gubernatorial primary concluded with Attorney General Phil Weiser, notorious for targeting businesses through lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and so-called consumer-fraud companies, defeating U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. Bennet, a former presidential candidate, had hoped to use his Senate seat as a political bargaining chip, but Democratic voters opted for a candidate with a record of heavy-handed government intervention.
On the Republican side, the governor’s primary remains open, with state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, Marine Corps veteran Victor Marx, and state Sen. Scott Bottoms competing for the nomination. Marx, who has no prior experience in elected office and faces criticism for questionable claims about his background, reflects the diversity of experience and viewpoints within the GOP, in stark contrast to the left’s ideological conformity.
