Ethiopian Immigrant Melat Kiros Upsets Veteran Democrat in Colorado Congressional Primary

In a surprising political upset in Denver, Colorado, Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old Ethiopian immigrant, socialist Democrat, and former attorney, defeated longtime Congresswoman Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary. Kiros secured 49.3% of the vote to DeGette's 43.5%, in a heavily Democratic district virtually guaranteeing Kiros a seat in Congress. If elected, Kiros will become the first Black woman from Colorado to serve in Congress and join the progressive "Squad" caucus in Washington.

Kiross’s campaign emphasized progressive policies including Medicare for All, public housing, free early childhood education, and abolishing ICE. Central to her political identity is her stance on Israel, which has become a divisive issue within the Democratic Party. Born in Addis Ababa and raised in poverty in Denver, Kiros has been outspoken against corporate influence and U.S. military aid to Israel. She called for a full arms embargo on Israel, including halting funding for the Iron Dome defense system, arguing that all weapons contribute to violence against Palestinians and ethnic cleansing in Lebanon.

Her controversial views on Israel and the October 7 attacks, which she described as an "inevitable result" of apartheid and occupation, sparked significant backlash from Colorado’s Jewish community. Kiros declined to label a June 2025 attack in Boulder as antisemitic, stating she did not know the attacker’s motives. This stance alarmed local Jewish leaders and rabbis, while garnering support from anti-Zionist activists and Jewish Voice for Peace, who hailed her victory as a defeat for pro-Israel lobbying.

DeGette, who has represented Denver since 1997, positioned herself as a moderate progressive supporting a two-state solution and Israel’s right to self-defense but opposed further offensive weapons funding. Despite her experience and endorsements, DeGette was criticized by Kiros for accepting over $1.5 million from corporate and pro-Israel interest groups. Kiros’s win aligns with a broader trend of anti-establishment progressive candidates winning Democratic primaries nationwide, signaling shifting attitudes on Israel within the party.

The outcome highlights how Israel has become a pivotal identity and political test in U.S. Democratic politics, even in districts once considered moderate liberal strongholds.