Melat Kiros Projected to Become Colorado's First Black Congresswoman

Democratic socialist Melat Kiros is projected to win Colorado’s heavily Democratic 1st Congressional District, defeating Republican Christy Peterson and independent Shimon Blau after ousting longtime Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette in the primary. At 29, Kiros is set to become Colorado’s first Black woman elected to Congress and one of its youngest members; this is her first run for office. A former corporate attorney, she campaigned on affordability, workers’ interests, Medicare for All and abolishing ICE, and called for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. Her remarks on Israel drew criticism from some community members and Democrats. Her win reflects progressive voters’ challenges to party establishment candidates, and she will face divisions within her party as she seeks to advance her agenda.