The Democratic Socialist and the retired Rear Admiral: How Democrats aim to win in Colorado
Democrats are trying to recapture the House and maybe even the Senate in November's midterm election. Colorado is a microcosm of what they need to do to win.
TL;DR
- Colorado's 2026 U.S. House candidate selections showcase two distinct Democratic strategies: Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, and Eileen Laubacher, a retired Rear Admiral.
- Kiros won the Democratic nomination in Colorado's 1st Congressional District, a seat considered safe for Democrats, by upsetting a long-time incumbent.
- Laubacher is running in the 4th Congressional District, a Republican-leaning seat, with a platform emphasizing patriotism and service, aiming to challenge incumbent Lauren Boebert.
- The candidacies reflect a national debate within the Democratic Party regarding the electability of candidates aligned with democratic socialist ideals versus more traditional or centrist approaches.
- While some Democrats worry about the leftward shift hurting chances of winning a House majority, others point to the Tea Party's success as evidence that candidates from the political extremes can win higher office.
- Colorado's political culture is described as having a strong conservative and libertarian streak despite becoming more solidly Democratic, with a nuanced electorate.
- Data suggests more voters might support a democratic socialist candidate than a Make America Great Again supporter.
- National Democratic leaders, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have expressed reservations about the DSA's agenda, though elected DSA members would join the party's caucus.
- Despite a challenging district, Laubacher had a significant financial advantage over her opponent as of June 30.