Incumbent Democrats in Colorado are facing challenges from progressive candidates in the upcoming primary elections. Representative Diana DeGette, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, is being challenged by Melat Kiros, an Ethiopia-born former New York attorney and outspoken critic of Israel. Senator John Hickenlooper is also facing a challenge from state Senator Julie Gonzales, a labor organizer whose platform includes an arms embargo on Israel and reining in Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Primary Challenges
The primary challenges in Colorado are part of a larger trend of progressive candidates challenging incumbent Democrats across the country. In New York and Maine, progressive candidates have already won upset victories, and the results in Colorado could further shift the balance of power in the Democratic Party. The challengers are running on platforms that include supporting pro-life values, opposing semi-automatic rifles, and promoting parental rights.
The Colorado primaries are being closely watched as a test of the strength of the progressive movement within the Democratic Party. The results could have implications for the party’s direction and its chances in the general election. The pediatric gender treatments and welfare programs are also being discussed in the context of the election.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
