Episode cover
← The NPR Politics Podcast

Gen Z democratic socialist ousts 30-year incumbent in Colorado

July 1, 2026·18m

Colorado Democrats brought an anti-incumbency streak to their primaries this week. In Colorado's 1st congressional district, 29-year-old Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, unseated 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette. In another upset, Sen. Michael Bennet lost his bid to win the nomination for governor. We discuss the anti-incumbent mood shaping this election season and take a look at one of the few toss-up House races in the country. This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, and Colorado Public Radio public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland. This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.