Story perspectives

Pro-Israel Super PACs Flood Colorado Primary, Progressives Demand Embargo

6/30/2026

Left

Progressives Challenge Incumbents

Candidates backed by Justice Democrats and Bernie Sanders are challenging incumbents as pro-Israel super PACs spend millions in Colorado primaries.
Senator John Hickenlooper leads state Senator Julie Gonzales 41% to 34% in the Colorado Senate primary.
Progressive challengers demand an arms embargo on Israel and accuse pro-Israel groups of shaping elections.
Outside groups spent $3 million on the DeGette-Kiros race, giving the incumbent nearly three-to-one financial edge.

Right

DSA Targets Colorado

The Democratic Socialists of America announced plans to target Colorado’s 1st Congressional District following recent New York City primary wins.
Senator John Hickenlooper leads state Senator Julie Gonzales 41% to 34% in the Colorado Senate primary poll.
Republican officials warned the socialist surge gives GOP talking points to defend its House majority.
Shannon Jackson told Fox News frustration is driving demand for Medicare-for-All, living wages and populism.

Center

Kiros Leads Poll

Melat Kiros, endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, leads incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District primary poll.
Colorado primaries on June 30, 2026 pit incumbents Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper and Diana DeGette against challengers, with results pending.
Phil Weiser raised $6.4 million, out-raising Sen. Michael Bennet’s $4.6 million and leading him in a poll.
Kiros won 67% at the Democratic assembly, with DeGette just clearing the 30% threshold.

Blindspot

Center coverage emphasized AG Phil Weiser’s $6.4 million haul, out-raising Sen. Michael Bennet’s $4.6 million and leading him in a poll, a detail omitted from Right coverage.
Center also noted Democratic socialist Melat Kiros winning 67% at the Democratic assembly and holding a poll lead over incumbent Diana DeGette, which Right coverage did not mention.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1999, the Club for Growth became the Republican Party’s top outside funder, raising nearly $22 million in 2003-04 and spending $8.6 million directly on 2010 primary races, outspending many rivals and backing Ted Cruz’s successful Senate primary. That high-spending playbook is echoed today as Justice Democrats and super-PACs pour multi-million-dollar gaps into Colorado Democratic contests.

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Progressives Challenge Incumbents

Candidates backed by Justice Democrats and Bernie Sanders are challenging incumbents as pro-Israel super PACs spend millions in Colorado primaries.
Senator John Hickenlooper leads state Senator Julie Gonzales 41% to 34% in the Colorado Senate primary.
Progressive challengers demand an arms embargo on Israel and accuse pro-Israel groups of shaping elections.
Outside groups spent $3 million on the DeGette-Kiros race, giving the incumbent nearly three-to-one financial edge.

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