Progressives Challenge Democratic Incumbents in Midterm Primaries

Younger, more progressive candidates take on long-serving House members in key battlegrounds

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the Democratic Party is facing internal divisions as progressives mount primary challenges against incumbent House members. In North Carolina's 4th District, 32-year-old Nida Allam is taking on Rep. Valerie Foushee, while in Colorado's 1st District, 28-year-old Melat Kiros is running against longtime Rep. Diana DeGette. The debates center around issues like U.S. support for Israel and the future of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These contests reflect a broader generational and ideological shift within the Democratic Party.

Why it matters

These primary battles highlight the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party between its more moderate and progressive factions. The outcomes could shape the party's direction and priorities heading into the 2026 midterms and beyond, as younger, more progressive candidates seek to unseat long-serving incumbents. The debates over Israel, ICE, and the party's overall direction also have implications for the party's ability to maintain unity and appeal to a diverse coalition of voters.

The details

In North Carolina's 4th District, 32-year-old Nida Allam is challenging 69-year-old Rep. Valerie Foushee, who has the backing of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Allam has the support of Sen. Bernie Sanders and is running on a more progressive platform. In Colorado's 1st District, 28-year-old Melat Kiros, a Ph.D. student and barista, is taking on 68-year-old Rep. Diana DeGette, who has held the seat since 1997. Kiros has criticized DeGette's stance on U.S. support for Israel as not going far enough. Another flashpoint is the future of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with some progressive challengers calling for the agency to be disbanded.

  • The first primaries in the 2026 midterm elections kick off on Tuesday, February 28, 2026.
  • Colorado's primaries are scheduled for June 30, 2026.

The players

Nida Allam

A 32-year-old vice chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners, Allam is mounting a primary challenge to Rep. Valerie Foushee in North Carolina's 4th Congressional District.

Valerie Foushee

A 69-year-old Democratic incumbent who has represented North Carolina's 4th Congressional District since 2022. She has the backing of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Melat Kiros

A 28-year-old Ph.D. student and barista, Kiros is running against longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st Congressional District.

Diana DeGette

A 68-year-old Democratic incumbent who has represented Colorado's 1st Congressional District since 1997.

Jonathan Paz

A 32-year-old former city council member from Waltham, Massachusetts, Paz is mounting a primary challenge to Rep. Katherine Clark, the House Minority Whip.

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What they’re saying

“At a moment when the oligarchs are tightening their grip on our society, we need leaders like Nida, leaders who answer to working families and not the billionaire class.”

— Bernie Sanders, Independent Senator

“My opponent's claim that I have been absent from my role with zero ability to describe what more she would have done in Congress under the Republican majority demonstrates that she is trying to apply for a job that she does not understand.”

— Valerie Foushee, Democratic Incumbent (ABC News)

“We must defend our democracy against Donald Trump and work to solve our problems with dignity, justice, and a future grounded in compassion, not cruelty.”

— Diana DeGette (NBC News)

“Katherine is doing the work to hold ICE and the Administration accountable and end its reign of terror in our neighborhoods.”

— Katherine Clark Campaign (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These primary challenges reflect a broader debate within the Democratic Party over the party's direction, with younger, more progressive candidates seeking to unseat long-serving incumbents. The outcomes could shape the party's priorities and appeal heading into the 2026 midterms and beyond.