Denver voters will decide Tuesday who they want to represent them in Congress: a near-30-year incumbent or a political newcomer who would be a harbinger of a new era of Democratic politics.
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, 68, is taking on attorney Melat Kiros, 29, and University of Colorado Regent Wanda James, 62, in the Democratic primary. This story will be updated with initial results after polls close in Colorado’s primary elections at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Kiros, once seen as a long-shot candidate, has gained major momentum in the final weeks leading up to the primary, including an endorsement from Sen. Bernie Sanders. The race will be in the country as Democrats battle over what direction to take their party.
DeGette’s supporters responded to Kiros’ growing profile by pouring millions of dollars into the race this month.
Kiros, who identifies as a democratic socialist, may also catch windfalls from the success of candidates with similar platforms in New York City.
While Kiros and DeGette have similar stances on many policy ideas, Kiros has emphasized that she represents a new generation of politicians who aren’t satisfied with establishment Democrats. The two candidates also differ in how they view the Israel-Hamas war.
Before running for office, Kiros was fired from her high-powered law firm for an open letter she penned that argued it isn’t antisemitic to question Israel’s legitimacy as a state. Jewish groups have criticized the way Kiros talks about the conflict, whether a firebomb attack in Boulder on a group of people marching in support of Jewish hostages was antisemitic.
DeGette, meanwhile, is facing her most serious primary challenger ever amid questions over whether she’s accomplished enough in her years in Congress. James and Kiros have argued that DeGette has been unable to deliver meaningful policy wins for Denverites.
James, whose campaign has picked up some meaningful endorsements, has trailed far behind her opponents’ fundraising.
The 1st Congressional District generally follows Denver city boundaries and includes Glendale and Holly Hills. Christy Peterson will be the Republican nominee in the general election after facing no competition in the primary.
DeGette has amassed a huge bank account to fend off her opponents, bringing in and spending $1.2 million, as of the final pre-primary reports filed June 10. Kiros has raised about $660,000 and spent nearly $572,000. James has raised $291,000 and spent $266,000, according to the latest report.
Since then, the candidates have reported additional fundraising in 48-hour reports required for larger donations.
Outside of the candidates themselves, political groups have spent massive amounts on the race, pouring more than $3 million into the election. Most of that money, about $2.4 million, has been to support DeGette and oppose Kiros.
