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Five takeaways in Colorado primaries as DSA candidate ousts congresswoman, Democrats reject senator, big money falters

The most nationally resonating story of Colorado's primary election was Melat Kiros' defeat of 15-term U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette. But several other dynamics became clear in Tuesday's results.

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet gives a concession speech to supporters of his campaign in the Democratic gubernatorial primary during his election night watch party at Schoolyard Beer Garden in Denver on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Attorney General Phil Weiser defeated Bennet to become the Democratic nominee for governor. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

A man who declined to give his name brought his dog, Phineas, with him to vote on primary election day at the voting center inside the Denver Public Library on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Denver. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Colorado election results for the 2026 primary

Melat Kiros, now the Democratic nominee in Colorado's 1st Congressional District, addresses a crowd of supporters and declares victory on election night in Denver on June 30, 2026. (Photo by Kevin Mohatt/Special to The Denver Post)

Melat Kiros defeats 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in Democratic primary to represent Denver in Congress

Attorney General Phil Weiser hugs a supporter during an election watch party for his gubernatorial campaign on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Ace Eat Serve in Denver. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/The Denver Post)

Phil Weiser defeats Michael Bennet in Democratic primary for Colorado governor

State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer speaks to supporters at a primary election night watch party at Ben's Brick Oven Pizza in Hudson on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (Brice Tucker/Staff Photographer)

Barb Kirkmeyer’s lead over Victor Marx narrows to fewer than 1,400 votes in Colorado GOP governor primary

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Colorado election results for the 2026 primary
Colorado election results for the 2026 primary
Colorado wildfires: More mandatory evacuations ordered in Aspen Acres fire near Pueblo
Colorado wildfires: More mandatory evacuations ordered in Aspen Acres fire near Pueblo
Colorado election results for the 2026 primary by county
Colorado election results for the 2026 primary by county
Melat Kiros defeats 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in Democratic primary to represent Denver in Congress
Melat Kiros defeats 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in Democratic primary to represent Denver in Congress
Phil Weiser defeats Michael Bennet in Democratic primary for Colorado governor
Phil Weiser defeats Michael Bennet in Democratic primary for Colorado governor
Colorado wildfires destroy more than 100 structures, force more evacuations
Colorado wildfires destroy more than 100 structures, force more evacuations
Colorado attorney general election results: Griswold wins Democratic nomination, Allen wins for GOP
Colorado attorney general election results: Griswold wins Democratic nomination, Allen wins for GOP
Barb Kirkmeyer’s lead over Victor Marx narrows to fewer than 1,400 votes in Colorado GOP governor primary
Barb Kirkmeyer's lead over Victor Marx narrows to fewer than 1,400 votes in Colorado GOP governor primary
Five takeaways in Colorado primaries as DSA candidate ousts congresswoman, Democrats reject senator, big money falters
Five takeaways in Colorado primaries as DSA candidate ousts congresswoman, Democrats reject senator, big money falters
John Hickenlooper wins over challenger Julie Gonzales in U.S. Senate race
John Hickenlooper wins over challenger Julie Gonzales in U.S. Senate race

Colorado News

The Aspen Acres fire engulfs a hillside near Beulah, Colo., on Monday, June 29, 2026. (Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette via AP)

Colorado wildfires destroy more than 100 structures, force more evacuations

Fire crews gained some containment on one of five wildfires burning across Colorado on Tuesday, while others forced more people to evacuate their homes.

Politics

"I Voted" stickers await voters at the voting center inside the Denver Public Library on primary election day, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Denver. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Map: Who’s leading in the Colorado primary race for governor?

The maps and chart shows vote counts and margins for Democratic and Republican candidates for Colorado governor.

Sports

The Rockies' Hunter Goodman is congratulated as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run off Miami Marlins relief pitcher Michael Petersen in the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, June 29, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rockies’ Hunter Goodman is bucking Coors Field narrative while blasting HRs

Hunter Goodman is the statistical anomaly to the Coors Field bump.

Restaurants, Food and Drink

The five Nguyen sisters, all of whom own restaurants in the metro area, pose for a portrait at Dan Da restaurant in Aurora on Aug. 20, 2024. They are from left to right: An, Thao, Thoa, Kha, and Thu, holding her daughter Taylee, 2. An, Thao and Thoa are opening a new restaurant on 630 S. Federal Blvd., Denver. Its grand opening is Friday, July 3, 2026. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)

A family known for its Vietnamese cuisine is headed back to where it all began

Dan Da, Banh & Butter Bakery Cafe owners opening restaurant on Federal Blvd. in former...

National News

FILE – In this July 1, 1997, file photo, fireworks explode above performers at a show at Beijing’s Workers Stadium which marked the return of Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty. Hong Kong, the former British colony, returns to Chinese rule under the principle of “one country, two systems.” (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara, File)

Today in History: July 1, British rule of Hong Kong ends

Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule after 156 years as a British colony.

The Know

The Colorado Renaissance Festival in Larkspur. (Kathryn Scott Osler, Denver Post file)

Lavender festival, Tennyson Street Fair and more free and cheap things to do in July

From a Lavender festival to the Tennyson Street Fair and July 4th food deals to...

Outdoors

Fishing guide Nick Hare, of Fly Fishing Outfitters in Avon, sets the hook on a brook trout near Piney River Ranch beneath the Gore Range. Fishing may be better on Colorado's high-mountain streams as low water and warm weather heat up the lower-elevation streams and rivers. (Photo by Tom Boyd/Special to The Denver Post)

Piney River Ranch near Vail to end operations after failing to reach lease agreement with Denver Water

Piney River Ranch near Vail will wrap up operations after the 2026 summer season, ending...

Opinion

Over the past 70 years, the number of inpatient psychiatric beds has dropped dramatically, leaving many without critical care when they experience mental health crises. (Illustration provided by Oona Zenda/KFF Health News)

My wait for a psychiatric bed in Denver highlights this nation’s overburdened system (Opinion)

Just before my birthday, a Denver doctor placed me on an involuntary 72-hour mental health...

Business

Robert Thompson opened BARna, a Spanish tapas and soccer bar, in June 2026. (Matt Geiger, BusinessDen)

Robert Thompson kicks off new kind of soccer bar on Colfax

BARna opened earlier this month, serving tapas as a 'soccer-first, not soccer-stupid' establishment.

Real Estate

Jeremy Make poses for a portrait at his home in Jefferson County on Friday, June 12, 2026. Make has tried without success to sell his condo in Capitol Hill for two years. Despite dropping his price, he didn't receive a single offer and decided to rent the condo out again, even if it means losing money. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)

Higher mortgage rates have Denver housing market in a cage

Sales are down and prices are softening in what once was one of the hottest...

Travel

Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two highest peaks in Colorado, are seen from the Leadville area. (Photo by R. Scott Rappold, Special to The Denver Post)

Lemonade stand at 14,438 feet educates Colorado hikers about backcountry safety

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade on top of a 14er.

Denver Broncos

RJ Harvey (12) of the Denver Broncos sheds Cole Bishop (24) and Matt Milano (58) of the Buffalo Bills as he makes a big gain during overtime of the Broncos’ 33-30 win at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Which Broncos’ running back makes bigger impact: RJ Harvey or Jonah Coleman?

Jonah Coleman is built like J.K. Dobbins. He runs like Dobbins. This is not an...