DSA’s Growing Influence in Recent Congressional Primaries

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is working on its political strategy across the country. Just a week after DSA-supported candidates gained significant traction by defeating establishment favorites in two Congressional primaries in New York, they achieved another win in a typically Democratic stronghold in Denver, Colorado.

In a surprising outcome, long-serving Democratic Representative Diana DeGette, who has been in Congress since 1996, was defeated by Melat Quiros, a 29-year-old first-time candidate and former lawyer backed by the DSA.

This victory follows the win of Darializa Avila Chevalier, a 32-year-old progressive community organizer from New York City, who unseated incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Adriano Espaillat. Additionally, another DSA-affiliated candidate, Claire Valdez, clinched a primary to succeed retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez.

A Shift in the Democratic Landscape

The success of Chevalier and Valdez, along with Quiros’ win, signals a growing strength of the progressive left as it confronts the moderate wing of the Democratic Party. Controversial figure Hasan Piker shared his views at Quiros’ primary event, stating, “I think that progressive politics can thrive anywhere—it’s only a matter of time before every city sees this shift.”

Quiros’ recent DSA primary victory took place in Denver’s 1st Congressional District, a seat held by Democrats. Notably, this district was easily won by then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

The DSA celebrated the win on social media, proclaiming, “Another democratic socialist joins Congress! Congressman Quiros is set to champion causes like abolishing ICE and achieving universal healthcare.” Quiros was previously dismissed from his legal position in New York after penning a critical essay about Israel, and he’s supported by the Justice Democrats, an organization known for promoting progressive candidates.

In Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, progressives also achieved a notable victory where State Representative Manny Lutinel secured a solid double-digit win against moderate Shannon Byrd. This district, which has a significant Latino population, is crucial for the upcoming midterm elections.

Lutinel’s campaign focused on immigration issues, notably criticizing Byrd’s past votes against measures to limit ICE’s collaboration with local law enforcement. With strong backing from Latino advocacy groups, his profile is rising in a fight that could influence whether Democrats maintain their slim majority in the House.

As Republicans view Lutinel as relatively easier to challenge than Byrd, he has moderated some of his progressive stances during the campaign, indicating a shifting strategy. Republican Rep. Gabe Evans expressed concern by labeling Lutinel as an extremist linked to radical policies.

Another significant primary just showcased the rift within the party—the Senate contest pitted incumbent Senator John Hickenlooper, 74, against progressive former state Senator Julie Gonzalez, 43. Hickenlooper, with an established reputation, has started feeling the pressure as Gonzalez gained momentum.

Despite Hickenlooper’s advantages, Gonzalez interpreted her campaign’s response as a positive signal, warning the Democratic establishment to take progressive voices seriously moving forward.

In other races, state Attorney General Phil Weiser achieved a narrow victory over Senator Michael Bennet in the gubernatorial primary, positioning himself to the left on various issues while emphasizing his opposition to the Trump administration.

Longtime Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo pointed out to Fox News that progressives have a resonance with voters that creates coalitions and encourages candidates. Amid a backdrop where establishment Democrats have secured victories, it is this far-left agenda that has captured more attention, thereby giving Republicans a chance to label Democrats as extreme.

The stakes are high, as shifts within the party could impact their ability to reclaim or maintain crucial seats in upcoming elections.