DSA Takes New York Primary Playbook to Colorado's 1st District After 2 Upset Wins
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 29
DSA Takes New York Primary Playbook to Colorado's 1st District After 2 Upset Wins
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 29
Summary
Colorado's 1st District is the DSA's next test on June 30, as the group backs first-time candidate Melat Kiros against 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette after last week's New York wins.
Two New York City primary victories fueled the push: Darializa Avila Chevalier ousted Rep. Adriano Espaillat, and Claire Valdez beat an establishment-backed rival with support from Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The campaign is widening beyond Colorado to August statewide Democratic primaries, where DSA-aligned Abdul El-Sayed is running for Michigan's open Senate seat and Francesca Hong is competing for Wisconsin governor.
Democratic strategists say the far left is gaining energy in deep-blue areas through economic populism, while center-left figures argue mainstream Democrats still prevailed in many other primaries.
Republicans are seizing on Mamdani and the socialist surge as midterm attack material, arguing it could hurt Democrats in swing districts even if the left keeps winning safe blue seats.