Blue on Blue Infighting: Progressive Upstart Blasts DeGette and Democratic Party Establishment, Giving GOP an Opening in Colorado's CD-1
For Denver voters, it's increasingly clear that frustration is mounting in our city amid its ongoing challenges, and the continued Democratic infighting isn't helping. On July 9, 2025, 28-year-old Melat Kiros announced her primary challenge against Rep. Diana DeGette, who has held Colorado's 1st Congressional District seat since 1997. Kiros, a PhD student and former attorney rooted in Denver's Ethiopian immigrant community, is touting herself as the bold new voice to tackle the Democratic establishment's shortcomings. She hammers issues like unaffordable housing, inaccessible healthcare, and the grip of big money on politics—problems that have persisted and worsened under long-term Democratic control, leaving many families feeling overlooked.
But this internal Democrat squabble raises a pressing concern: After years of one-sided leadership in Denver, isn't it past time for voters to consider more pragmatic, common-sense alternatives that prioritize real results over endless internal drama?
You can't escape Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez vibes from Melat's campaign launch video. She doesn't mince words, attributing stalled progress to "money in politics" that favors donors over everyday people. Drawing from her journey—losing a corporate job after voicing support for human rights causes like the Tigray genocide and pro-Palestine protests—she demands sweeping reforms, including universal healthcare and higher minimum wages. As a "proud Democrat," she's zeroing in on party veterans like DeGette, implying that almost three decades in power has bred too much inactivity and too little accountability.
This rift highlights the Democratic Party's continued struggle to define its future at the expense of unified action that would benefit its constituents. This Colorado Democrat turmoil mirrors escalating divisions in other Democratic strongholds, where progressive socialists are clashing with incumbents, frequently sidelining practical governance.
Consider New York City's 2025 mayoral race: Progressive Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, clinched the Democratic primary on June 24, decisively defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo by 12 points. Recent polls show Mamdani leading Cuomo—who is mounting a general election bid, likely as an independent—by 10 points, but the split has fractured the electorate and alienated moderates. Incumbent Eric Adams, amid scandals, bowed out or lost ground earlier, paving the way for this messy contest. Critics argue these ideological battles drain resources and distract from core issues, leaving voters disillusioned with a Democratic party entangled in its conflicts.
In Denver, under entrenched Democratic rule, these divisions come against a backdrop of stubborn, systemic problems for the city that have only intensified despite assurances of change. Taxes disguised as fees have surged, bypassing TABOR's constitutional voter-approval requirements, exempting most fees from the cap, and allowing the state to collect billions in additional revenue for programs without direct accountability, according to a 2024 report from the Common Sense Institute, which highlights how this loophole erodes taxpayer protections.
Economically, the outlook is underwhelming: Forecasts peg Colorado's 2025 job growth at a sluggish 1.2%, with the state slipping in GDP and housing stability rankings amid lingering labor shortages and inflation pressures. Compounding these woes is Denver's flailing mayor, Mike Johnston, whose administration has faced sharp criticism for a $50 million 2025 budget shortfall attributed to inflation, slow revenue, and unsustainable spending, leading to furloughs, hiring freezes, and proposed layoffs that have galvanized city workers and unions. Johnston's decisions, including dipping into Denver's financial reserves and defending his costly immigration policies in defiance of the current Presidential Administration, have sparked backlash from council members over vetoes, bond proposals, and perceived mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, state Democrats have mounted repeated attacks on TABOR, proposing lawsuits to invalidate or reform the taxpayer protections amid a $1.2 billion budget shortfall. However, efforts stalled at the end of the 2025 legislative session after accusations of undermining voters constitutional rights to avoid fiscal discipline. Many suspect that the special legislative session anticipated to be called by Gov. Polis later in 2025 to address federal Medicaid cuts will be used by progressive Democrats to mount an attack on TABOR once again.
These aren't passing headaches; they're deep-rooted issues that erode the quality of life for hardworking Denverites.
For undecided voters eyeing this Democratic disarray—echoing New York's splintered race—it's a compelling cue that the party is mired in factionalism rather than delivering cohesive, workable solutions.
As of July 10, 2025, no Republican has filed for CD-1; however, a contentious Democratic primary will make the general election more competitive. Given Denver's lingering troubles under Democratic governance, it's worth exploring options that emphasize fiscal prudence, ease regulations on small businesses, and enhance safety—common-sense steps that would yield tangible progress.
Voters hold the key; the 2026 cycle presents an opportunity to choose representation that genuinely serves Denver's needs rather than the Democrat-vs.-Democrat gridlock.
And infighting.
