Melat Kiros has claimed victory in the Democratic primary for the U.S. House representing her Denver-area district, as announced by the Associated Press (AP). The political newcomer stands poised to become the first Gen Z female elected to Congress. She defeated long-serving Democrat Diana DeGette in the primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, a notable shift in a district that predominantly favors Democrats.
Kiros, a 29-year-old Ph.D. student and attorney, is expected to head to Washington, D.C., next year. If successful, she will succeed DeGette, 68, who has held her congressional seat since 1997, the year Kiros was born. This upset occurs amid an ongoing shift within the Democratic Party, with established leaders facing challenges from younger, more progressive candidates who advocate changing traditional political approaches.
An Ethiopian immigrant, Kiros promotes economic populism, including universal healthcare and childcare. Some of her more controversial stances involve abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and ceasing U.S. military aid to Israel. Kiros has refused financial support from corporate PACs and pro-Israel lobbyists, critiquing DeGette’s acceptance of contributions from defense contractors and energy and pharmaceutical companies.
While campaigning, DeGette upheld her progressive record, focusing on healthcare and climate policy. Despite her efforts, the AP confirmed her loss in the primary.
Kiros’ triumph in Colorado is another win for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Recently, DSA-backed candidates won Democratic primaries in New York City. Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly defeated incumbent Adriano Espaillat, and state Assemblymember Claire Valdez won the open race to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez. In May, the DSA also celebrated when state Rep. Chris Rabb won the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District.
If Kiros succeeds in November, she would join a small group of congressional democratic socialists, currently including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. She would also become the second Gen Z member of the House, alongside Florida Democrat Maxwell Frost, elected in 2022.
In a February interview with NPR, Kiros emphasized the appeal of her campaign policies to young voters, stating, “Young people understand that we are in the fight of our lives. We need leaders who are committed to implementing bold policies and refuse to settle, wait their turn, or ask for permission.”
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