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Democratic socialist ousts longtime Colorado congresswoman in primary upset
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
Democratic socialist Melat Kiros beat U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in a Colorado House primary Tuesday, a stunning victory for the first-time candidate against a nearly 30-year incumbent.Kiros, a former corporate attorney, is the latest democratic socialist or progressive candidate to boot a Democrati...
Key takeaway Diana DeGette in a Colorado House primary Tuesday, a stunning victory for the first-time candidate against a nearly 30-year incumbent.
Why this matters in The Waco
The outcome of Colorado's Democratic primaries may have implications for Waco 's own political landscape, particularly in terms of the growing influence of progressive candidates. As voters in Colorado's Democratic primaries weighed the choice between established veterans and younger, more progressive leaders, a similar dynamic may be at play in local Waco elections. The success of democratic socialist Melat Kiros in ousting a nearly 30-year incumbent could embolden similar candidates in McLennan County to challenge established leaders. Additionally, the focus on standing up to opposing political forces, as seen in Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser's victory speech, may resonate with Waco voters who are looking for leaders who can effectively advocate for their interests. As Waco's own political landscape continues to evolve, the city's voters may be watching the developments in Colorado with interest, looking for cues on how to navigate their own political choices.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Democratic socialist Melat Kiros beat U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in a Colorado House primary Tuesday, a stunning victory for the first-time candidate against a nearly 30-year incumbent.Kiros, a former corporate attorney, is the latest democratic socialist or progressive candidate to boot a Democrati...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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