Colorado Democratic Nominee Melat Kiros Calls for More Immigrants in Office

Melat Kiros, a 29‑year‑old attorney and the Democratic nominee for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, defeated longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in the June primary. At a Wa’Ela Tigrai event in Denver, Kiros urged that more immigrants and people with heritage from the global south be elected to public office, arguing that the United States’ “exploitative and extractive” role on the global stage can only be challenged by such representation. She linked increased immigrant representation to a broader shift in the global world order.

Kiros’ remarks have drawn sharp criticism from conservatives and generated significant online attention. Backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, she is part of a wave of DSA‑endorsed candidates winning primary contests ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.