Wanda James Makes Ballot for Denver's Congressional Primary

The CU Regent and business owner will compete against incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette and Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:36pm

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Wanda James, a CU Regent and the first Black woman to own a cannabis dispensary in the country, has officially made the ballot for the Denver Democratic primary in Colorado's 1st Congressional District. James submitted over 1,700 valid voter signatures, surpassing the 1,500 required. She will compete against 28-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette and Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros, who outperformed DeGette in the caucus and assembly process.

Why it matters

James' candidacy represents a challenge to the long-serving incumbent DeGette and the rise of progressive candidates like Kiros. As a business owner and former military officer, James brings a different background and perspective to the race. The primary will test the appetite for change among Denver Democrats.

The details

James said her campaign plans to launch a 'Front Porch Congress' initiative, where she will visit people's homes to discuss the issues facing Congress. She has heard concerns about affordability, the war with Iran, and other key issues. Last year, James was censured by the CU Regent board over comments she made about a cannabis education campaign that she felt contained racial tropes, though she denies the allegations.

  • James submitted 1,787 valid signatures on April 14, 2026 to make the ballot.
  • The Denver Democratic primary will be held in June 2026.

The players

Wanda James

A CU Regent and the first Black woman to own a cannabis dispensary in the country, James is challenging long-serving incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in the Denver Democratic primary.

Rep. Diana DeGette

A 28-year incumbent Congresswoman representing Colorado's 1st District, DeGette is facing challenges from James and Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros.

Melat Kiros

A Democratic Socialist candidate who outperformed DeGette in the caucus and assembly process, Kiros is also running in the Denver Democratic primary.

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What they’re saying

“We're just excited that we're just going to be able to casually talk to people. It's what I love to do. Man, this is what I get the charge out of. How do you solve the problems of everyday folks? That's what the government is supposed to do for us.”

— Wanda James, Candidate

“Congress has the lowest rating that it has ever had since we've done ratings. And for somebody to have been in office for 30 years, well, they are clearly part of that problem. So it's refreshing to be able to have these conversations and bring new ideas to life. Lived experience is important.”

— Wanda James, Candidate

What’s next

The three candidates will compete in the June 2026 primary for the Democratic nomination in Colorado's 1st Congressional District.

The takeaway

Wanda James' candidacy represents a challenge to the political establishment in Denver, as she brings a different background and perspective to the race against the long-serving incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette. The primary will test the appetite for change among Denver Democrats.