Colorado Socialist Who Ousted Longtime Democrat Calls for Increased Immigrant Representation in Congress

Melat Kiros, a Colorado socialist candidate who recently won a Democratic primary race, has called for increasing the number of immigrants in elected office as a means to counteract what she describes as America’s “exploitative and extractive” global influence. Speaking at the Wa’Ela Tigrai event in Denver last weekend, Kiros outlined her vision for reshaping American representation in Congress following her victory over longtime incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., in a primary contest last month.

Kiros, an attorney by training, drew parallels to progressive House members including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., as she discussed the necessity of electing lawmakers who fundamentally understand American foreign policy and its consequences. She argued that elected officials with roots in the Global South would bring critical perspectives to decision-making at the national level and challenge what she views as systemic patterns of exploitation.

“There’s a reckoning we will have to face with the global world order as it exists today,” Kiros stated during the event. She emphasized that American policymakers must recognize their nation’s role in global extraction and that this shift requires representation from individuals with direct experience of such dynamics.

Kiros is among several candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America who have successfully defeated Democratic incumbents ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. She previously departed from her position at Sidley Austin law firm in 2023 after publishing criticism of major law firms’ response to antisemitism on college campuses.