Democrats brace for more anti-establishment primaries after Colorado upsets

Published July 2, 2026 6:00am ET



Colorado’s Democratic primary shake-up is intensifying fears among party insiders that an anti-establishment revolt once seen as concentrated in New York City is rapidly spreading across the country ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The defeat of longtime Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) in Colorado at the hands of 29-year-old attorney and Ph.D. student Melat Kiros marked the latest warning sign for Democratic insiders already rattled by a string of progressive-backed primary upsets in recent weeks.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.