Colorado's Progressive Surge Tests Democratic Establishment in Key Primaries

Colorado’s Democratic primaries have become a test of the party’s insurgent wing, with progressive challengers targeting establishment figures in three high-profile races: a governor’s contest in which Phil Weiser challenges Sen. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper faces Julie Gonzales; a Denver-area House race where Melat Kiros challenges Rep. Dianna DeGette; and a swing-district race where Manny Rutinel seeks to topple GOP Rep. Gabe Evans. Voters facing high housing costs and a rising cost of living are flocking to candidates who pledge to break from the traditional Colorado mold, aided by substantial outside spending and a wave of younger, independent voters. All-mail voting and undecided voters ahead of ballots due mean outcomes are uncertain, but the era of steady establishment dominance in the state looks increasingly vulnerable and could signal a national progressive push.