Julie Gonzales

Melat Kiros defeated Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver's 1st Congressional District primary with 53.2% of the vote, winning precincts across city center, west, and north Denver. Voter turnout in Denver's 2026 primary reached 40% of active voters, higher than 2024 and 2022 but similar to 2018. Phil Weiser won Denver's gubernatorial primary with 66% of the vote, while state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer led Republican primary support in Denver with 51%.

Melat Kiros succeeded in the anti-establishment wave while Julie Gonzales lost to US Sen. John Hickenlooper in Colorado due to factors like money, time, geography, and varying levels of support from liberal groups.

Colorado's anti-establishment candidates, including democratic socialist Melat Kiros and Phil Weiser, defeated prominent Democratic figures like Diana DeGette and Michael Bennet, reflecting voter frustration with party leadership. The victories highlight a shift towards candidates positioning themselves as fighters against political insiders.

Sen. John Hickenlooper won the Democratic primary in Colorado, as projected by Decision Desk HQ, defeating progressive challenger Julie Gonzales, a labor organizer and state senator.

Sen. John Hickenlooper, a moderate, defeated progressive challenger Julie Gonzales in Colorado's Democratic primary, marking a setback for the progressive movement within the party. Gonzales criticized Hickenlooper's support for Trump nominees, but his victory highlights ongoing tensions between moderate and progressive factions in the Democratic Party.

A moderate Democrat, John Hickenlooper, defeated progressive challenger Julie Gonzales in Colorado's Democratic primary. Gonzales criticized Hickenlooper's moderate stance and support for some Trump nominees, but her loss marked a setback for the progressive wave in the party during the midterms.

John Hickenlooper won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate against Julie Gonzales. He will face State Sen. Mark Baisley in the general election.

Colorado's Democratic primaries highlight a divide between progressive challengers and veteran incumbents in key races for Congress, Senate, and governor. Incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette faces 29-year-old democratic socialist Melat Kiros, while Sen. John Hickenlooper is challenged by state Sen. Julie Gonzales. Democratic socialists gained traction in primary processes, with Kiros receiving support from Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Progressive leaders Julie Gonzales, Yara Zokaie, and David Seligman criticized Melat Kiros for refusing to label the Boulder firebombing as antisemitic. They stated Kiros' response was wrong when contacted by The Colorado Sun.

Colorado voters will cast ballots in the 2026 primary election on June 30. Key races include the gubernatorial contest with candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as races for attorney general, secretary of state, and U.S. Senate. Voters have multiple options to submit ballots, including drop boxes, voter centers, and in-person voting.

Colorado's primary election features a Democratic Senate primary with John Hickenlooper and Julie Gonzales competing for the seat, while Republican Mark Baisley faces no opposition. Voters must choose one primary ballot by June 30.

A rally featuring Hasan Piker and Melat Kiros was moved to the Colorado State Capitol after the Ogden Theatre canceled at the last minute. Kiros accused venue organizers of being pressured by Rep. Diana DeGette's donor class, which DeGette's campaign denied. State Sen. Julie Gonzales also withdrew from the event, citing safety concerns and tensions over Piker's presence.

Hasan Piker, a leftist political commentator with 3 million Twitch followers, is participating in a rally in Denver hosted by congressional candidate Melat Kiros and state Sen. Julie Gonzales. The event, titled 'Young, Bold and Unbought,' focuses on progressive issues like Medicare for All and affordable housing. Kiros challenges Rep. Diana DeGette, while Gonzales faces U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper. Piker and Kiros have faced criticism from Jewish organizations for their discussions on Israel and Gaza.