Sanders-endorsed anti-Israel candidate Melat Kiros wins Democratic Colorado congressional primary

Democratic socialist Melat Kiros has secured a significant victory in the Democratic primary for a Denver-area congressional seat, unseating 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette. Kiros, a 29-year-old former attorney, garnered a nearly 7,000-vote lead with 78% of the vote counted, marking another instance of an insurgent leftist candidate defeating an establishment Democrat.

Kiros, who was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders, campaigned on a platform that includes ending wars and stopping military aid to Israel. This contrasts with DeGette's position of supporting only defensive weapons for Israel. Kiros has previously called Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide and has advocated for a full arms embargo on the country. Despite being significantly outspent, Kiros's win signals a shift within the Democratic Party, particularly in progressive strongholds.

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I think the Jewish community is really alarmed.

The candidate has faced considerable controversy. She drew criticism for calling Hamas's October 7 massacre "inevitable" and for declining to label the June 2025 Boulder firebombing as antisemitic, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Kiros also faced backlash for her alliance with political commentator Hasan Piker, whose rhetoric has been described as offensive. Colorado Jewish leaders and groups have expressed alarm over her candidacy.

Kiros, currently a doctoral student at the University of Denver, is now favored to win the general election in November, given the district's overwhelmingly Democratic leanings. Her victory follows a trend of progressive candidates winning primaries in New York City, with ties to the Democratic Socialists of America and endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

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It is unconscionable to not even have a vote.