Politics
Colorado congressional races showcase ideological split in Democratic Party
As Democrats aim to win the House in the 2026 midterms, Colorado candidates range from a 29-year-old democratic socialist to a retired Navy rear admiral.
The short version
- The nomination of contrasting Democratic candidates in Colorado highlights internal party debates over whether progressives or moderates are better positioned to win key races.
- In the heavily Democratic 1st district, democratic socialist Melat Kiros is favored to win after defeating a long-serving incumbent in the primary.
- In the solid-Republican 4th district, retired Navy Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher is challenging Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert.
- Democratic leadership has generally favored moderate candidates, expressing concern that candidates on the far left could hurt the party's chances of reclaiming a congressional majority.
Key facts
- Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old lawyer and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, won the Democratic nomination in Colorado's 1st congressional district by defeating longtime Representative Diana DeGette in June.[CNBC]
- Eileen Laubacher, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, secured the Democratic nomination to face Representative Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 4th congressional district.[CNBC]
- Colorado's 4th congressional district is rated as "solid" Republican by the Cook Political Report, with registered Republicans outnumbering Democrats by about two to one.[CNBC]
- Federal Election Commission filings from June 30 showed Laubacher with $3.6 million in campaign funds compared to Boebert's $247,000.[CNBC]
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has stated he does not support the Democratic Socialists of America agenda, though he noted its members would still be part of the Democratic caucus if elected.[CNBC]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether far-left candidates will limit the Democratic Party's broad appeal or if moderate candidates like Laubacher can overcome safe-seat partisan leanings in the November midterms.[CNBC]