Colorado congressional candidate Melat Kiros, a socialist who recently defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in a Democratic primary, is calling for more immigrants with ties to the global south to enter political office as a way to challenge what she describes as the United States' exploitative and extractive role on the world stage.
Speaking at the Wa'Ela Tigrai event in Denver last weekend, Kiros argued that the current global order requires a fundamental shift, and that change can only come when people who understand American exploitation on a deep level are in positions of power. She said the responsibility of Americans to recognize the country's global impact will only be confronted if representation comes from those who have experienced it firsthand.
Kiros, who was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is one of several progressive candidates who defeated incumbent Democrats in primary elections ahead of the 2026 midterms. Her campaign has drawn national attention for its anti-capitalist messaging and calls for systemic change.
During the event, Kiros reflected on her time as an attorney, saying that law school taught her that the system is not broken but working as designed. She said that realization initially broke her spirit and led her to work at a large law firm with the goal of retiring early to care for her parents. However, she said she ultimately decided that giving up was not an option and that she would rather fight for change than accept the status quo.
Kiros was fired from the Sidley Austin law firm in 2023 after publishing an open letter criticizing law firms that called for action against antisemitism on college campuses. She has also made controversial statements in the past, including calling the 9/11 terrorist attacks inevitable due to U.S. foreign policy and blaming Israel for putting Jewish people in great danger.
Kiros' call for more immigrant representation comes amid a broader debate over immigration and national identity in the United States. Her remarks at the Wa'Ela Tigrai event emphasized the need for people with heritage in the global south to hold office, arguing that those are the communities most affected by American foreign policy and economic decisions.
The candidate's victory over DeGette, a 14-term incumbent, was seen as a significant upset and a sign of growing progressive influence within the Democratic Party. DeGette had represented Colorado's 1st congressional district since 1997 and was considered a moderate voice in the party.
Kiros' campaign has focused on issues such as universal healthcare, tuition-free college, and a Green New Deal. She has also been critical of corporate influence in politics and has called for a more equitable distribution of wealth.
The general election for Colorado's 1st district is expected to be competitive, with Kiros facing a Republican challenger in a district that has historically leaned Democratic but has seen shifting demographics in recent years.
Kiros' comments at the Wa'Ela Tigrai event have sparked debate among political observers, with some praising her for bringing attention to issues of global inequality and others criticizing her for what they see as divisive rhetoric. Her campaign did not respond to requests for comment on the remarks.
