Wanda James
Coverage of Wanda James in the Nexus archive.
- How did Denver vote? Let’s go to the maps!
Melat Kiros defeated Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver's 1st Congressional District primary with 53.2% of the vote, winning precincts across city center, west, and north Denver. Voter turnout in Denver's 2026 primary reached 40% of active voters, higher than 2024 and 2022 but similar to 2018. Phil Weiser won Denver's gubernatorial primary with 66% of the vote, while state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer led Republican primary support in Denver with 51%.
- DeGette concedes, says there’s ‘little room’ for politicians like her
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette conceded her 29-year run as Denver’s congresswoman after losing the Democratic primary to 29-year-old Melat Kiros. DeGette expressed that there is 'little room' for politicians like herself in the current political climate, while congratulating Kiros and thanking her supporters and family.
- Democratic incumbent in Denver's 1st Congressional District faces challenge from two new candidates
Congresswoman Diana DeGette, who has represented Denver's 1st Congressional District for nearly 30 years, faces challenges from two Democratic candidates, Melat Kiros and Wanda James, in the June 30 primary. Republican Christy Peterson is unopposed in her party's primary, focusing on issues like public safety and manufacturing. Kiros emphasizes systemic change and community-driven governance, while DeGette remains a long-standing figure in Colorado politics.