Colorado's Democratic primaries on Tuesday are poised to deliver a significant blow to the party's establishment, with three key races reflecting voter frustration with longtime incumbents and moderate politics. The contests include a gubernatorial primary where Senator Michael Bennet faces a tight race against Attorney General Phil Weiser, a House primary in Denver where progressive Melat Kiros challenges 28-year incumbent Rep. Dianna DeGette, and an 8th District primary where state Rep. Manny Rutinel is favored over Shannon Bird for the chance to unseat Republican Rep. Gabe Evans.
Governor's Race: Bennet vs. Weiser
Senator Michael Bennet, a former presidential candidate and key advocate for the expanded child tax credit, is in an unexpectedly tight race against Attorney General Phil Weiser. Polling from Public Policy Polling this week shows Weiser with a 9-point lead, a dramatic shift from last summer when Bennet led by 31 points. A high number of undecided voters remain. Bennet's campaign has emphasized his role in cutting child poverty, but Weiser has highlighted his 67 lawsuits against the Trump administration, contrasting with Bennet's votes for eight Trump Cabinet nominees. "The primary electorate is very upset about Jared Polis and they want to make sure they don't make that mistake again," said Adam Carlson, a Democratic pollster.
1st District: DeGette vs. Kiros
Rep. Dianna DeGette, in office since 1997, faces a spirited challenge from democratic socialist Melat Kiros, who lost her job as a lawyer after writing an op-ed criticizing backlash to criticism of Israel. Kiros has support from Justice Democrats and Sen. Bernie Sanders. "People in Denver are witnessing their everyday cost of living just get more and more expensive," Kiros said. Establishment groups are rushing to aid DeGette, with $2.1 million spent on TV ads in the final week, including $1.1 million from Elect Pro-Choice Women, a group backed by AIPAC. DeGette's campaign has attacked Kiros for comments on 9/11 and anti-Semitism, while Kiros claims DeGette orchestrated cancellations of her rally venues—an accusation DeGette called "an absolute lie."
8th District: Rutinel vs. Bird
In the swing 8th District, state Rep. Manny Rutinel, a 31-year-old outsider supported by AI safety groups and Latino Victory Fund, is favored over state Rep. Shannon Bird, the initial favorite of national Democrats. Rutinel has a massive resource advantage, with Bird airing no TV ads in the last two weeks. The district, won by Trump by 2 points, is seen as competitive, but a pro-Democratic environment and Rutinel's centrist steps on oil and gas have boosted confidence. The NRCC called both candidates "out of touch" and predicted a "bruised and broke liberal" nominee.
Broader Implications
These primaries reflect a national trend of anti-establishment sentiment, as seen in recent New York victories. "Voters are tuning against anybody associated with the establishment," said pollster Rick Ridder. The surge of young transplants to Colorado has fueled frustration over housing costs and a desire for change. While some establishment figures like Sen. John Hickenlooper and Secretary of State Jena Griswold are expected to win, the success of any insurgent would challenge Colorado's long-dominant centrist-libertarian consensus.
