City Cast Denver logo
June 26, 2026

Can Kiros Beat DeGette? Plus, AI ‘Polls,’ Astroturfing Local Politics, and Colfax Wins and Fails

City Cast Denver

Can Kiros Beat DeGette? Plus, AI ‘Polls,’ Astroturfing Local Politics, and Colfax Wins and Fails

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Denver is on the precipice of what could be a historic moment; the city’s 30-year incumbent congresswoman, Diana DeGette, is facing a late surge in momentum from Democratic Socialists of America-backed challenger Melat Kiros. So what’s real and what’s fake in the final days leading up to primary? And could Kiros really win? Comedians and returning guests Joshua Emerson and Kate McLachlan join producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the spin coming from both campaigns and separate signal from noise. Plus, a wild astroturfing scandal in the CU Regents’ race and all our wins and fails of the week!

Plus, a bonus segment! City Cast Denver Neighbors get a special bonus segment about Joshua and Kate’s shared history in Durango. They share their tips for anyone looking for a summer road trip destination. Don’t miss our weekly Friday bonus segments and become a member today for just $10 per month. Sign up at membership.citycast.fm. 

Paul talked about moderating the SD34 forum, the poll showing Kiros ahead, the NYC primary results, a UMS venue closing, and Wellington and Wilma Webb. Kate mentioned Bastien’s and PS Lounge on Colfax. 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about astroturfing in local elections? Can you trust “the vibes”? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
October 5

The DPS Board’s Half-Decade of Drama, Meet Your Soulmate, and Will a Chatbot Replace Denver's 311 Operators?

Denver Public Schools board member DJ Torres resigned last week, his reasoning being “too much of my time and energy have been consumed b...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 4

‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Denver

When Denver looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City d...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 2

Privatizing the Trash, Drones Delivering Pasta, and How to PorchFest

Denverites already pay for trash pick-up, but what if that money went to a private company instead of the city? The city’s waste services...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 1

Will Denver Ever Say Yes to the Duplex? Plus, the Ethics Investigation Costing the City $800,000

A proposal to make sweeping changes to the zoning code was sent back to the drawing board by city council – signalling the end of a push...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 30

Your Guide to October 2026 in Denver

Fall is here — and we’re ready for the sweater weather, cozy vibes, and spiced everything! From finding the right craft meetup to enjoyin...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 29

Glendale’s Failed Nightlife Promises, New Live Music Venue in Cap Hill, and Duck Liver on the Ballot

The historically counter-cultural strip of 13th Avenue in Capitol Hill will be home to a concert venue once again! After all the drama an...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 28

Who Is Funding This Year’s Conservative-Backed Ballot Initiatives?

Ballots are hitting mailboxes soon and the campaign money is flowing. But where is it coming from and where is it going? In his investiga...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 27

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Denver

What’s a seemingly small project in Denver that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 25

The Unwritten Rules of Surviving and Thriving in Denver

What are the things you need to know to thrive in Denver? You know, like remembering to bring a jacket regardless of the weather – which...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 24

It's Film Fest Season! Plus, Red Rocks Ticket Troubles and Our Concert Recs

Sundance Film Festival’s Colorado debut is just months away, but there are plenty of homegrown film fests happening this fall and winter....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art