"Wake up call": House Democrats erupt in panic, anger after another socialist upset

Axios Axios —

House Democrats were staggered Wednesday by the loss of yet https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-primary-results-melat-kiros-beats-diana-degette" target="_blank">another one of their longtime colleagues to a democratic socialist challenger.

Why it matters: Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) was a staunch progressive, not a moderate, these members are privately fuming.

So why did she become a target of the left?

  • "One more case in the growing dynamic of performative politics," one House Democrat, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share candid analysis on the results, told Axios.
  • "Diana was an excellent representative with seniority — but the style of someone younger and more outspoken has become more attractive to that cohort of motivated urban left voters."
  • A senior House Democrat called the result a "wake-up call" for members of Congress

Driving the news: DeGette was defeated decisively by 29-year-old Melat Kiros, an attorney and PhD student who led the incumbent by nearly 10 percentage points as of Wednesday morning.

  • DeGette's loss in the Denver-based district came despite a deluge of outside spending in her favor from groups tied to the Democratic establishment and AIPAC.
  • Progressive groups such as the Justice Democrats spent substantially in favor of Kiros as well, but their expenditures were greatly eclipsed by those of pro-DeGette outside groups.

Between the lines: DeGette boosters sought to defend her progressive bona fides, touting her support for Medicare for All, her opposition to ICE and her time as a Trump impeachment manager.

What we're hearing: "Diana is a progressive.

Sad to see her loss," a third House Democrat told Axios, adding that there is clearly "an appetite for newer, younger blood in some parts of the country.

  • "I told everyone that would listen in 2024, that Trump winning was like manna from heaven to DSA," said a fourth.
  • "That DSA is ... winning some safe seat primaries with these young white college educated voters is just no shock.

    It's literally their entire playbook."

Yes, but: Some House Democrats aren't waiting too long to bring Kiros into the fold, with some even exulting in her win.

  • "I'm grateful for all Diana has done ... as our region's dean," Rep. Emily Randall (D-Wash.) told Axios. "I don't know Melat yet, but I sent her a note of congratulations and look forward to welcoming her to the team."
  • Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who backed Kiros, told Axios: "The progressive movement is where the energy of our party is across the nation."

What's next: The left isn't done yet.

They're pinning their hopes on a slew of progressive candidates to knock off as many as half a dozen more Democratic incumbents this cycle.

Read full article at Axios →

Socialist Melat Kiros Ousts Colorado Incumbent