Colorado’s Democratic primary on Tuesday represents a crucial battleground in the ongoing internal conflict between the establishment and progressive factions of the party. This comes on the heels of a significant victory last week for a candidate endorsed by Mayor Zoran Mamdani in New York City.
Although it may lack the spotlight of larger races, Colorado’s Democratic primary features three high-stakes contests where experienced politicians are challenged by candidates eager to tap into rising frustrations with Washington, D.C.
Progressives Target Established Incumbents in Colorado
The Democratic primary in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District presents a prime opportunity for the party’s progressive wing to oust a long-serving incumbent. Rep. Diana DeGette has been a fixture in Congress for nearly 30 years and is now facing a serious challenge to her political survival.
To strengthen her position, DeGette has been emphasizing her progressive record, including her role as an impeachment manager during the Senate trial of former President Donald Trump, and her advocacy for initiatives like “Medicare for All” and the potential abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Challenging her is Meroto Quiroz, a 29-year-old doctoral student and former attorney who emigrated from Ethiopia as a child. Received favorably by major political figures, Quiroz claims DeGette is not adequately representing her constituents. Quiroz’s endorsements include Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Justice Democrats, and the Democratic Socialists of America.
The campaign has also turned contentious over Israel policy. Quiroz asserts she lost her job after criticizing her law firm for its stance on protests regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Her controversial remarks, including a suggestion that Hamas’s actions stem from apartheid, attracted scrutiny from local media.
In a strong indication of the race’s importance, the Justice Democrats have invested over $500,000 in Quiroz’s campaign, while various super PACs have poured more than $2 million into DeGette’s efforts. The stakes are high as both factions react to recent electoral outcomes in neighboring states.
Statewide Races Reflect Political Tensions
Similar rivalries extend to statewide contests featuring seasoned Democratic figures. Sen. Michael Bennet, a frontrunner in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Jared Polis, is experiencing formidable opposition from Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.
This campaign has been characterized by increasingly aggressive tactics, with candidates and their allies trading barbs over their respective records on opposing President Trump. The victor will be well-positioned in a state leaning Democratic, with the potential to appoint a Senate successor to serve out the remaining term.
In the Republican primary, former Marine Victor Marx is contending against two state legislators, Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and Rep. Scott Bottoms. Marx has made headlines by revealing a traumatic incident from his childhood involving violence, although it remains unclear whether it relates to his military service.
Turning to the Senate, Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, who flipped his seat in 2020, is running for re-election against progressive state Sen. Julie Gonzalez. Gonzalez accuses Hickenlooper of being a product of “conformity politics” for supporting ten of Trump’s cabinet nominees.
While Hickenlooper’s ads highlight his legislative achievements and opposition to Trump, he faces a robust challenge from Gonzalez, who aims to galvanize younger, more progressive voters. Notably, Hickenlooper is no stranger to competitive primaries, having successfully fended off liberal opponents previously.
A High-Stakes Battle for Congressional Seats
Colorado’s 8th Congressional District is shaping up to be the most competitive race in the state this year. In 2024, Trump carried the district by a slim margin, and freshman Republican Rep. Gabe Evans won his seat by an equally narrow vote.
The primary pits former state Rep. Shannon Byrd against Manny Lutinel, a strong fundraiser who has drawn on his family’s immigrant narrative to resonate with the district’s substantial Latino population. Lutinel enjoys the backing of prominent labor unions and former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
Byrd positions himself as a moderate capable of attracting undecided voters, receiving support from moderate Democratic groups and EMILY’s List. The winner of this primary is likely to move on to one of the country’s most competitive House elections this fall, with current ad reservations indicating extensive media investment.
In the Republican primary for the Colorado Springs-area 5th Congressional District, Rep. Jeff Krank aims for a second term in a district that Trump previously won by 9 points. Krank’s support from the former president could further consolidate his base.
Democrat Jessica Killin seeks to leverage demographic shifts in Colorado Springs to her advantage, potentially making significant inroads in traditionally Republican strongholds.
The Ripple Effect of Trump’s Endorsements
The ongoing saga surrounding President Trump’s endorsement plays a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the Republican primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. This race has garnered attention after Trump withdrew his support from Rep. Jeff Hurd, following Hurd’s backing of a resolution against Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
Despite this, Trump recently re-endorsed Hurd, who now faces a challenge from former state Rep. Ron Hanks, known for his vocal support of false claims regarding the 2020 election and participation in the January 6 Capitol events.
Hurd’s campaign has raised over $3 million, far outpacing Hanks, who has only raised $42,000. The high stakes are evident, as the Republican opponent has previously defeated Hanks by a significant margin in the 2024 primary.
The Democratic candidates, Dwayne Romero and Alex Keroff, are preparing to face a tough general election, given the district’s Republican leanings. The upcoming primaries in Colorado illustrate the shifting political landscape and the complexities of navigating factional disputes within the party.
