Democratic primary exposes widening US party divide over the left

Melat Kiros’s primary victory in Denver has highlighted tensions between progressive Democrats advocating sweeping policy changes and centrists seeking a more moderate approach before the midterm elections. Republicans, including Donald Trump, are portraying Democratic Socialists as a threat, while supporters say the movement reflects voter frustration with established politics.

Melat Kiros’s victory in a Democratic primary in Denver has become a symbol of the US Democratic Party’s dispute over its future. Kiros, a 29-year-old Ethiopian-born Democratic Socialist, defeated a congresswoman who had held the seat for nearly three decades and is seeking a safe Democratic seat in Colorado.

According to ABC News, Kiros could become the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress. She has presented her campaign as part of an anti-establishment movement, arguing that mainstream ideas from both major parties have failed to address long-standing problems. Her platform includes universal healthcare, childcare, expanded public housing and substantial reductions in defence spending.

The war in Gaza is also central to her campaign. Kiros supports a total arms embargo on Israel and said US taxpayers were contributing to the bombardment. In a 2023 open letter, she criticised the position taken by several US law firms, including her former employer, after the Hamas attacks, while distinguishing opposition to antisemitism from debate over Israel’s legitimacy.

Kiros is among candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, which advocates higher taxes on wealthy people and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ABC News reported that the organisation has gained support in several recent Democratic primaries. A CBS-YouGov poll cited by the broadcaster found that 71 per cent of voters identifying as liberal viewed socialism favourably, although a New York Times/Siena poll found that about half of Americans viewed it unfavourably.

The movement has prompted a response from centrist Democrats. Third Way has launched a $15 million campaign against democratic socialism, with co-founder Jim Kessler arguing that Democrats need to appeal to moderates to win general elections. He said many progressive proposals were slogans rather than fully developed solutions, while noting that moderate candidates had performed better in competitive districts.

Republicans are also attacking the progressive faction. Donald Trump has called Democratic Socialists “communists” and warned that Republicans could lose control of Congress in the November midterms. In Denver, however, volunteer Craig Skinner said Kiros’s campaign had helped nearly double local Democratic Socialists of America membership, reflecting the enthusiasm among supporters who see the movement as a vehicle for economic and political change.